Brooklyn, New York — A Halloween celebration outside an NYPD precinct in Brooklyn turned into a frightening scene after a van allegedly drove onto the sidewalk and struck children and adults attending a community event. Six people were injured, including several children, and the driver has been charged with vehicular assault, according to police.
The incident happened Thursday outside the 83rd Precinct stationhouse on Knickerbocker Avenue near Bleecker Street in the Bushwick neighborhood. Authorities identified the driver as 56-year-old Michael Marsh, who was allegedly operating the vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .26.
Van Crashes Into NYPD Halloween ‘Trunk or Treat’ Event
According to police and law enforcement sources, Marsh allegedly veered onto the sidewalk while driving his van, striking people gathered for an NYPD Halloween event known as “Trunk or Treat.”
The event was being held outside the 83rd Precinct stationhouse, where families had gathered with children to participate in Halloween activities.
The van reportedly entered the event area and hit multiple people before also striking a private ambulance stationed outside the precinct.
The crash quickly turned a community celebration into an emergency response, with injured attendees requiring medical attention.
Six People, Including Children, Injured
The NYPD reported that six people were struck during the incident.
Those injured included a 31-year-old woman and her two daughters, ages 6 and 11, an 8-year-old boy, a 74-year-old woman and a 53-year-old woman.
All six victims were listed in stable condition following the crash.
Witnesses described a disturbing scene, particularly the injuries suffered by some of the children and adults. One mother who attended the Halloween event with her 9-year-old daughter spoke about what she witnessed.
“A little girl, her arm is peeled off, literally,” the woman said at the scene. “The lady injured her leg, and then one of the ladies, the back of her head was injured, and she has a hole in the back of her head.”
Her account highlighted the severity of the incident and the fear experienced by families who had gathered for what was supposed to be a Halloween celebration.
Driver Allegedly Had .26 Blood Alcohol Level
Law enforcement sources said Marsh was driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .26, well above New York’s legal limit of .08 for most adult drivers.
The alleged level was reported as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the crash. Marsh, who lives in Crown Heights, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges connected to the incident.
According to police, the charges include:
- Vehicular assault
- Reckless endangerment
- Three charges related to driving while intoxicated
- Driving on the sidewalk
- Driving without a seatbelt
The charges reflect several alleged violations associated with the crash. The accusations have not yet been established as proven facts in court.
Passenger Also Faces a Traffic Summons
Authorities said a 46-year-old woman was riding as a passenger in Marsh’s van when the incident occurred. She was expected to receive a summons for a traffic infraction, according to police.
Officials have not provided further details about her involvement or identified any additional charges against her.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including how the vehicle entered the sidewalk area where families were attending the event.
What Is Known About the Driver’s Background?
Police said Marsh does not have a recent criminal record in New York City. However, authorities also noted that he had three robbery arrests in 1999.
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The older arrests were mentioned as part of the information released about his background following the Halloween incident. The current case centers on the allegations involving the van crash, the injuries to six people and the charges filed against him.
Brooklyn Halloween Event Turns Into a Police Investigation
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of community gatherings held near public roads and sidewalks, particularly events attended by families and young children.
The “Trunk or Treat” gathering outside the 83rd Precinct was intended to provide a Halloween activity for local residents. Instead, the alleged crash left six people injured and prompted a criminal investigation.
Although all six victims were reported to be in stable condition, witnesses described serious injuries at the scene. Authorities have not released further updates on the victims’ recovery or provided additional details about the next steps in the legal proceedings.
What should be done to improve safety at community Halloween events held near busy streets? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
