02-13-2002, 05:07 PM
Quote:18 Struck in Hit-Run Rampage
Driver cuts midtown swath
of horror & escapes
A hit-and-run driver suspected of shooting a New Jersey woman sparked mayhem on midtown Manhattan streets yesterday — mowing down 18 pedestrians in a wild, zigzag ride of terror, police said.The driver struck people at six spots — starting near Penn Station and ending in Chelsea, where he plowed into a group of high school students while zooming the wrong way down a side street. None of the injuries was life-threatening.
After the man dumped the battered car and ran, cops found a purse in the back seat containing the wallet of a New Jersey woman who was shot and critically wounded Sunday, police sources said.
"That guy was crazy," said Zhang Ji, a teacher at Liberty High School on W. 18th St. "I turned around, I don't know where he was coming from."
Cops were hunting last night for the driver, who was last seen fleeing into a subway station. Police said they found blood in the car, indicating the suspect may be injured.
The green Buick Regal was registered to Ronald Popadich, 38, of Garfield, N.J., and his elderly mother said he was driving the car yesterday. Police could not confirm that Popadich was the suspected hit-and-run driver.
Hey, now this is just wonderful. Some asshole thought it would be a great idea to play Twisted Metal in real time yesterday. What I truely find odd is that Mayor Bloomberg is cutting down on cops, yet, we didn't seem to have enough yesterday to stop this guy from driving all over town on his little joy ride.
Edited By Sean Cold on Feb. 13 2002 at 12:16