Pedestrian 'Violently Struck & Thrown," By Car While Filming Vehicle Stunts: New Haven Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — A pedestrian suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle, police said.

At 3:39 a.m. on Aug. 30, police responded to East Shore Park for a pedestrian struck with severe injuries, police said.

Officers determined that a group gathered there after leaving downtown. While there, vehicles were doing donuts & other "reckless stunts" in the parking lot, police said.

During the "stunts," the operator of one of the vehicles, later identified as Jaime Diaz-Perez, 18, of New Haven, struck a pedestrian who was filming the activity and then fled the scene, police said.

"The pedestrian was violently struck & thrown several feet into the air," police said in a news release. "The pedestrian was identified as a 30 year old man from New Haven; his injuries were considered life-threatening; however, has since been released from the hospital."

Officer Michael Rubino of the Accident Reconstruction Team was assigned the investigation, and Diaz-Perez was charged with first-degree assault, felony evading, and interfering with an officer. His bond was set at $350,000.

"Whether participating or as a bystander, everyone is at risk when these dangerous & reckless acts occur," police said in a statement. "The New Haven Police Department & the City of New Haven will not tolerate behavior that recklessly endangers the public & can result in serious injury or loss of life.

"To those who participate in street takeovers & reckless driving: this conduct will not be ignored," police said. "The New Haven Police Department will take enforcement action against those who endanger our community, & violators will be held accountable."