5 Killed In High-Speed Crash In Yonkers

YONKERS, NY — Five people died in a crash in Yonkers Tuesday night after an erratic driver sped away from police.

Police said four of them were in a car that was struck by the driver speeding driver. City officials identified the four as 18-year-olds Brandon Sierra, Randy Brisbane, Tamari Watkins and Anthony Cruz, all of Yonkers.

Police identified the driver they were chasing as Mount Vernon resident Devon Haywood, who was also killed.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and police Commissioner John J. Mueller issued a news release Wednesday morning offering condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

"Last night’s car accident on Riverdale Avenue was nothing short of tragic," Spano said. "Four young lives were cut short by the recklessness of one individual. Let this be a lesson to all who drive at excessive speeds – it not only puts your life at risk but also the innocent lives with whom you share the road. My deepest condolences and prayers go to the families of those lost, especially during this holiday season.”

The crash happened about eight minutes after police said officers saw Haywood driving an Infiniti sedan erratically at South Broadway and Prospect Street. Officers attempted to stop him in front of 47-85 Riverdale Ave., police said. He seemed to pull over but then accelerated south on Riverdale Avenue, they said.

Police did not start a high-speed chase of Haywood, said Det. Lieut. Dean Politopoulos. "Our officers are trained to assess every situation and in this case disengaged. The sector car was approximately 15 seconds behind and not in emergency mode."

Politopoulous said Haywood had a history of reckless driving.

Haywood hit speeds that were "beyond reckless" as he approached the intersection at Culver Street, where he collided with a Nissan sedan occupied by the four 18-year-olds, police said. The Nissan was split in half and all four occupants were ejected. They died at the scene.

Haywood was transported to a trauma center, where he died from his injuries, police said.

Criminal and internal investigations were initiated.

"I want the families and all community members to know that the Yonkers Police will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and will make all our resources available to support the families," police Commissioner John J. Mueller said. "On behalf of the men and women of the Yonkers Police Department, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those young men; this is an unspeakable tragedy brought upon by the reckless behavior of one individual, who also suffered the ultimate consequence.