The NYPD released more details about the tragic crash Friday evening that claimed the lives of two men sitting outside of a barbershop on the Upper West Side.
Elvin Suarez, 61, is suspected of driving drunk when he lost control of his Mercedes-Benz SUV and struck multiple people on the sidewalk near West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Surveillance video showed the deadly collision course as the SUV hit a parked car two blocks away on West 107th Street then continued its wild rampage before veering off the road toward the sidewalk. Neighbors said the vehicle plowed into a group of men from the neighborhood sitting in folding chairs outside of the barbershop.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. They were later identified as Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35. Three other men were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition.
Video showed at least three people standing behind a brown van before the SUV crashed into it. A witness said one man was stuck under the car, while another person was left bleeding.
Those who live nearby said the area in front of the barbershop is a popular hang out spot for many in the close-knit community.
Suarez was taken into custody and faces charges of manslaughter, vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated. Contact information for his attorney was not immediately known.