By David Gordon and Christina Smith
A University freshman faces thirteen criminal charges after stealing an official fire
department vehicle on Tuesday. Lynbrook, NY, native Bilal Khan, 18, caused five traffic accidents, injuring himself and nine others.
The vehicle, an officially marked Chevrolet Tahoe, was property of the Uniondale Fire Department. The release stated that during a fire drill at Bill of Rights Hall, Khan entered the vehicle, which had its overhead warning lights turned on, and drove the vehicle “wildly into the Village of Hempstead
committing numerous traffic violations.”
The fire vehicle first struck a Lexus Sedan, causing it to spin 180 degrees and collide with a GMC truck. It moved on to strike a GMC Jimmy, which rear-ended a New York City taxi. Khan then redirected the vehicle, causing a Mercedes to strike the stolen fire vehicle’s driver’s-side door, according to the release.
Khan was arrested and detained by an off-duty Nassau County corrections officer and a fire prevention officer until Hempstead Police could take him into custody.
Uniondale Fire Department issued a statement saying it is still an ongoing police
investigation and that they are cooperating with the Nassau County Police Department, but that they have no further
comment at this time.
Three passengers from the GMC Jimmy were admitted to area hospitals with serious
injuries. A four-year-old girl who was also in the Jimmy was under observation, but released afterward. Five others were treated for pain.
According to the release Khan is charged with first degree assault, five counts of second degree assault, third degree grand larceny, fourth degree grand larceny, second degree reckless endangerment,
reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful
possession of marijuana. He has been admitted to a local
hospital for minor injuries and faces arraignment on Feb. 25, when medically possible.
At press time, University
officials could not be reached for comment.
(Lou Minutoli with Newsday)