By Thomas Tracy
New York Daily News
NEW YORK — An NYPD cop was hurt — and a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk shed obliterated — by a runaway Cadillac driver fleeing a traffic stop, startling cellphone video shows.
The fast and furious fugitive plowed through the sidewalk shed, knocking down a street sign and slamming into multiple vehicles, as he made his breakneck escape, the video acquired by the Daily News shows. He remains on the loose.
The chaos began about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday when cops pulled the black Cadillac sedan over for a traffic violation near Seventh Ave. and 38th St., cops said.
As police approached, the driver sped off.
Cops radioed ahead and officers caught up with the Cadillac stuck in traffic on E. 30th St. near Madison Ave., officials said.
But as cops approached, the driver threw the car in reverse and gunned the engine, sending one officer leaping out of the way.
The driver then sped forward, plowing through the sidewalk shed on E. 30th St. as he vaulted the curb.
Pedestrians jumped out of the way as the driver zipped down the sidewalk then veered back onto the roadway, knocking over a street sign before speeding off.
The driver sideswiped multiple vehicles before slamming into another car near Lexington Ave. and E. 31st St. The driver abandoned the Cadillac there and ran off.
The officer who jumped out of the way of the Cadillac struck his head on the ground and was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for a concussion and released.
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