High-Speed Chase Ends in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-95: Teen Driver Faces Multiple Charges
A dangerous high-speed police chase on Interstate 95 in Westchester County early Monday morning ended in a devastating multi-vehicle crash that injured 16 people, including five juveniles. The incident, which began as a pursuit of an erratic vehicle fleeing from the NYPD’s 45th Precinct, highlights growing concerns about juvenile involvement in dangerous driving incidents and the risks associated with high-speed police chases.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:16 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, when New York State Police troopers from SP New Rochelle received a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert while monitoring Westchester County police radio. According to the official New York State Police report, the alert concerned an erratic vehicle that had fled from the NYPD’s 45th Precinct and was believed to be traveling northbound on Interstate 95.
This incident comes at a time when police pursuit policies are under intense scrutiny. Just months earlier, the NYPD announced significant changes to its chase policies after data showed that approximately 25% of nearly 2,300 vehicle pursuits in 2024 resulted in crashes, property damage or physical harm. The new NYPD policy, effective February 1, 2025, prohibits officers from pursuing suspects for traffic violations or non-violent misdemeanors.
The Chase and Crash
State Police positioned themselves near Exit 17 (Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont) and observed two vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. The subsequent pursuit lasted approximately three minutes, covered five miles, and reached speeds up to 130 mph. During the chase, a City of Rye Police Officer entered I-95 North to assist and attempted to slow traffic north of Exit 19 (Rye Playland).
As the officer began slowing traffic ahead of the pursuit, a chain-reaction crash occurred involving the fleeing vehicle—a 2002 Lexus GS300 bearing switched Connecticut license plates—and three other uninvolved vehicles. The crash involved:
- Vehicle 1: 2002 Lexus GS300 (fleeing vehicle) with a 15-year-old driver and four juvenile passengers
- Vehicle 2: 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van operated by Selenge Gankhuyag with one passenger
- Vehicle 3: 2022 BMW X5 operated by Sael M. Fernandez with three passengers, including a minor
- Vehicle 4: 2023 Toyota RAV4 operated by Sirajul Islam with four passengers, including three minors
All 16 individuals involved were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and later released.
Charges Filed
The 15-year-old driver faces serious charges including:
- 15 counts of Assault in the Third Degree
- 3 counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree
- Reckless Driving
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle
- Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Analysis & Perspectives
Teen Driving Statistics and Risks
This incident underscores alarming trends in teen driving safety. According to recent data, teen drivers account for 9.1% of all motor vehicle crashes and 6.1% of fatal crashes, despite comprising only 3.7% of all U.S. drivers. The involvement of multiple juveniles in this high-speed chase is particularly concerning, as the risk of death per mile driven by 16- and 17-year-old drivers is two times higher with two passengers under 21 and four times higher with three or more underage passengers.
Interestingly, despite these concerning statistics, New York State was ranked first in the nation for teen driver safety in a 2023 nationwide survey, suggesting that this incident may be an outlier rather than representative of broader trends in the state.
Police Pursuit Policy Implications
The timing of this incident is particularly significant given recent changes to police pursuit policies. The NYPD’s new restrictions on high-speed chases were implemented after a dramatic increase in pursuit-related crashes. However, this incident involved State Police rather than NYPD officers, and the pursuit began with a BOLO alert for an already-fleeing vehicle, which may fall under different policy guidelines.
Legal and Social Implications
The charges against the 15-year-old driver reflect the serious nature of the incident. Under New York law, juveniles can face adult charges for serious offenses, and the multiple assault charges suggest prosecutors view each injured party as a separate victim. The case highlights ongoing debates about juvenile justice, parental responsibility, and the appropriate response to underage driving incidents.
This high-speed chase and subsequent crash on I-95 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving, particularly when juveniles are involved. While all 16 individuals involved were fortunately released from hospitals, the incident could have easily resulted in fatalities. The case raises important questions about police pursuit policies, juvenile driving laws, and the effectiveness of current safety measures.
As the investigation continues, this incident will likely contribute to ongoing discussions about balancing public safety with law enforcement tactics. The fact that a 15-year-old was behind the wheel of a vehicle with switched license plates suggests deeper issues that extend beyond simple traffic violations, potentially involving vehicle theft or other criminal activity.
The multiple charges filed against the teen driver send a clear message about the serious consequences of such reckless behavior, while the involvement of multiple innocent families underscores the far-reaching impact of dangerous driving decisions.
