‘Times Square car crash driver has history of drunk driving’

TIL Desk/World/New York/ One person died and 12 others injured when a car plowed into pedestrians in New York’s busy Times Square today, with authorities saying the driver of the vehicle, a US Navy veteran, has a criminal history and record of drunk driving.

Authorities identified the driver of the vehicle as 26- year Bronx resident Richard Rojas, who was immediately taken into custody.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stressed that there was no indication the incident was an act of terror. He told reporters at the scene that Rojas is a US citizen and a former member of the armed forces with the US Navy.  “He has a criminal history,” the mayor said.

He said that out of an “abundance of caution”, security across key locations around the city will be stepped up and major sites in the city will get additional police coverage from the anti-terror units.

Describing the incident as “horrible”, de Blasio said “it is a tough day for New York City but as usual the people of New York City will stand firm and will be resilient.”