New York (CNN) Eight people were injured after someone drove a U-Haul truck into pedestrians in New York City on Monday morning, a New York Fire Department official told CNN.
One of the injured victims, a 44-year-old, has since died, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case confirmed to CNN.
The incident began when police pulled over the rental truck around 10:49 a.m. in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the New York Police Department said. The driver fled the police, hitting several pedestrians. He was taken into custody a short time later a few blocks away.
Two people were critically injured and two were seriously injured, the FDNY official said. Some injuries are minor. One of the injured victims was a police officer, authorities said at a press conference.
Police believe that the driver, a 62-year-old man, may have been called by someone who was emotionally disturbed recently.
Due to great caution, according to the officials, the bomb squad checked the back of the truck. It is filled with things that indicate that the suspect may have lived in it in the past few days. A law enforcement source told CNN that the items included boxes of men’s clothing.
Investigators told CNN that they checked the man’s background and did not believe it was a planned attack, but likely an escape attempt.
There were no initial signs of terrorism, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell told reporters.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams tweeted that they were informed of the incident. Additionally, Adams said there were no more credible threats related to the incident.
In a second tweetHochul said: “I am praying for everyone injured today in Brooklyn. Grateful for the quick response of @NYPDnews to arrest the suspect and our first responders to treat the injured.
“@nyspolice (state police) are in Brooklyn providing necessary assistance as the investigation continues.”