A Port Washington police chase on Long Island turned chaotic on Wednesday after at least one shot was fired during a pursuit that ended in a crash near a busy shopping area.
The incident took place in Port Washington in the afternoon, according to police sources and local officials.
Authorities said the chase began shortly after noon on Main Street when a Nassau County Police Department officer attempted to stop a driver for reasons that have not yet been released.
The driver allegedly refused to stop and sped away, leading officers on a pursuit through multiple roads, including Searingtown Road and Port Washington Boulevard.
The situation escalated as the chase moved into nearby areas of Manhasset, where the pursuit eventually ended in a crash near the Americana Manhasset shopping centre.
Police sources confirmed that at least one shot was fired during the pursuit, although officials have not released details about who fired the weapon or why.
Despite the gunfire, authorities said no injuries were reported.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene following the crash. Police confirmed that multiple vehicles were damaged during the chase.
Officials said the driver caused several accidents while fleeing law enforcement before being stopped.
Americana Manhasset quickly became the centre of a large police response, with officers securing multiple scenes across the area.
Nassau County Police Chief of Department Christopher Ferro said the suspect’s actions led to a series of crashes before the arrest.
He confirmed that the individual responsible was now in custody, but did not provide details about potential charges.
Residents in the area described scenes of confusion and fear as the chase unfolded in a normally quiet suburban community.
Some witnesses reported hearing loud noises that they later learned were gunshots.
One local resident, Stevie Hill, said she ran inside her home after hearing what she believed were gunshots and discovered later that her car had been struck during the incident.
Another witness, Ashley Eliyahu, said she saw police officers surrounding the suspect and taking him into custody outside the shopping centre.
She described the scene as chaotic, with multiple officers pointing weapons at the suspect while bystanders looked on.
Others in the area said the response from law enforcement was extremely large, including multiple police vehicles and even a helicopter circling overhead.
Local residents said they were shocked to see such a large-scale police operation in an area usually known for its calm environment and upscale retail district.
Schools in the area, including Schreiber High School and Weber Middle School, were briefly placed under lockout procedures as a precaution during the incident.
Police later confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public after the suspect was detained.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver or details about what charges may be filed.
Investigators are now reviewing the full sequence of events, including the decision to fire a weapon during the chase.
Officials are also examining the multiple crashes caused during the pursuit to determine the extent of property damage.
Residents and officials alike are now calling for clarity on how the situation escalated so quickly in a busy suburban area.
