Pickup truck runs into pedestrians in Brooklyn, injures eight

() — Eight people were injured — two of them in critical condition — after an individual driving a U-Haul truck struck pedestrians in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday morning, an agent with the Brooklyn Fire Department told . the city.

The incident occurred when a rented U-Haul van was pulled over at 10:49 a.m. in Sunset Park, according to the NYPD. The driver evaded the stop sign and struck several pedestrians. He was stopped minutes later, a few blocks away.

In addition to the two individuals who are in critical condition, there are two others with serious injuries. The rest have minor injuries, according to firefighters.

Police believe the driver — a 62-year-old man — may be the subject of a recent call they received about an emotionally disturbed person with the same name.

Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was called to search the back of the van, which was littered with items indicating the suspect may have been living there in recent days.

Investigators told they are looking into the man’s background, but at this time they do not believe it was a premeditated “ram attack,” but rather an attempt to escape from police.

Both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the city’s mayor Adams tweeted that they had been informed of the incident. Additionally, Adams said Monday in that same tweet that there are no more credible threats at this time.

I have been briefed on the developing situation in Brooklyn. My team is coordinating with @nyspolice and @NYPDNewsand are ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 13, 2023