Shortly after 7:00 in the evening on Friday, May 15, as the neighborhood of Kew Gardens Hills was preparing for Shabbos, two New York Police Department officers from the 107th Precinct were brought to the hospital with neck and back pain after their cruiser sailed into the front doors of the Lander College for Men / Beis Medrash L’Talmud. The college, a division of the Touro College and University System, located on 150th Street, just off of 75th Road, has several exterior crash bollards that narrowly missed the trajectory of the cruiser. The officers were briefly entrapped in their patrol car following the dangerous impact, requiring an immediate extraction. Hatzolah of Queens, EMS, FDNY, and NYPD all responded in force to protect the chaotic scene and save New York’s Finest.
A civilian vehicle had collided into their squad car as the officers were responding with lights and sirens to a call placed to 911 concerning an emotionally disturbed individual.
Commanding Officer of the 107th Precinct Deputy Inspector Scott Henry later revealed that the officers were released from the hospital. “Our police officers are doing well following their ordeal. As always, we appreciate the care and support of the wonderful community we strive to keep safe every day,” said Henry. “The driver of the second vehicle refused medical attention at the scene.” There were no other injuries.
The entranceway to the college sustained significant exterior damage, but the doorway remained intact and impenetrable. Parts of the glass were internally shattered but remained standing, and portions of the metal frame were mangled. A couple of oversized outdoor planters also became a casualty to the accident.
By Shabsie Saphirstein