Law enforcement sources claim that the driver of the pickup truck that struck and killed a group of people enjoying the Fourth of July in a park in New York City on Thursday night was a substance treatment counselor who wrote a book on assisting others in overcoming addiction.
Daniel C. Hyden, 44, of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, was recognized as the driver on Friday after he ran into partygoers at Manhattan’s Corlears Hook Park. Eight people were hurt, one badly, and three individuals died.
Jeff Maddrey, the chief of the New York Police Department, stated on Thursday that although tests are still being conducted, responding officers “did smell some alcohol.”
Eight counts of assault were brought against Hyden on Friday, according to New York City police. These counts include driving while drunk, aggravated unlicensed operator of a vehicle, and recklessly causing serious injury with a weapon.
According to his Linkedin page, Hyden had previously worked as a substance misuse counselor and was most recently employed by residential treatment programs in Manhattan.
According to law enforcement officials that spoke with NBC New York in 2020, he wrote a book titled “The Sober Addict: A Guide on How to Be Functional With the Dysfunctional Disease of Addiction.” His goal is to “use his lifelong experience with addiction to teach addicts how to save themselves and achieve long-term recovery,” according to his Amazon profile.
It’s unclear right away if he has legal representation.
Authorities claimed that Hernan Pinkney, 38, and Lucille Pinkney, 59, perished in the collision. The third victim was recognized as a lady but not given a name.
One of the injured, an 11-year-old kid, was hospitalized in severe condition, while seven other people only had minor wounds, according to the police.
The fire department’s assistant chief of operations, Michael Meyers, stated at a press conference on Thursday that when first responders got to the site, they discovered the pickup truck “on top of four victims.” According to officials, park residents escorted the driver out of the area and ensured he stayed until emergency personnel arrived.
Following his arrest, Hyden received treatment for cuts to his head and face.
The police said that he had a suspended license and was not using a seatbelt. Police reported that there was “suspicion of impairment,” thus he declined all testing.
