The New Rochelle Police Department’s investigation into Monday’s fatal car chase and crash has taken a backseat now that the New York Police Department is involved.
Starling Santana, 20, of the Bronx, is in fair condition at Jacobi Medical Center and awaiting an arraignment date on a charge of first-degree vehicular manslaughter. A date for Santana’s arraignment in Bronx County Criminal Court had not been scheduled as of Thursday.
Santana was the driver of a Nissan Maxima involved in a car chase Monday with New Rochelle police that ended with the death of his passenger, Francisco Santana-Pena, 24, of the Bronx, during the crash in the north Bronx.
Santana and Pena were fleeing from the on 200 E. Main St. when the chase started. The men had tires in their possession, which police believe were stolen from the lot, and had fled from police after being questioned by police near the dealership parking lot.
That same dealership .
The men fled south before crashing into two parked vehicles near the intersection of Givan and Palmer avenues in the Bronx. Pena was dead at the scene. Santana was transported to Jacobi Medical Center where he is currently being treated for his injuries.
New Rochelle Police Capt. Joseph Schaller said his department has yet to issueany charges in connection with the tire thefts.
“Although it started here, the more serious event ends up down there, and they have custody of the suspect,” Schaller said.
