Cyclist struck by vehicle fleeing police through Manhattan’s East and West Villages

WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN (WABC) — A cyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle leading police in a chase through Manhattan on Tuesday.

The vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz, was being pursued by East Village police as it fled west toward the West Village, according to preliminary information.

Sources say that East Village police were conducting a gun investigation that led to the manhunt.

A suspect jumped out of the vehicle, fled and was caught. Meanwhile, the driver drove away in his car.

Police said they called off the East Village chase and got the car’s description over the air.

According to sources, officers in the West Village spotted the car minutes later and attempted to stop it.

The vehicle then fled the attempted hitchhike on MacDougal Street and West Houston Street, struck the bicyclist, and then turned into MacDougal Street against oncoming traffic.

According to sources, the driver then jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

RELATED: Eyewitness News tracks crime and safety across New York City and in your neighborhood

Officers pursued the suspect and took him into custody. It is not known if the police are looking for other suspects.

The cyclist’s condition is critical.

The investigations are ongoing.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

———-

* Receive eyewitness messages

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news

* Follow us on Youtube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Do you have a breaking news tip or a story idea for us to cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. Terms of use apply to attaching a video or photo.