Rochester, N.Y. – The man who allegedly struck several pedestrians, civilian cars, and police cars intentionally Thursday afternoon pleaded not guilty Friday morning.
Munir Muthana, 27, of Rochester, has been charged with five counts of second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
According to court documents, Muthana allegedly got intoxicated and was seen going into the Kennedy Towers with a transvestite. It is not clear whether the suspect knew he was with a transvestite.
When someone on the street confronted Muthana with that information, it is alleged that Muthana became enraged and began intentionally running people over.
Deputy Police Chief George Markert said an officer was flagged down on South Plymouth Avenue around 2 p.m. by pedestrians saying a driver was trying to hit people with his car.
When officers responded, Muthana allegedly pulled into a parking lot, drove in circles and struck numerous pedestrians before fleeing.
“He was trying to run people over on the sidewalk,” said Laurali McLean of Rochester, who witnessed the scene. “He smashed the cop cars back and forth. It’s very sick.”
The officers pursued him through the west side of the city. During the chase, he intentionally hit two police cars several times, as well as other vehicles in the area, before being taken into custody at Brooks Avenue and Genesee Street. The suspect did not go willingly; witnesses say it was this that median finally stopped his rampage.
According to court documents, when he was arrested, Muthana was yelling remarks such as “F*** the police,” "Ben Franklin was stupid," “The Muslims will fix this country,” and “I was trying to fight that f***** she-male.”
A Rochester Police spokesman says the RPD diligently checked with all federal authorities and found that Muthana was not on any sort of terrorist watch list. While he was also heard muttering words like "jihad" and "hating Americans," he also reportedly said he didn't hate Americans, just police.
Alcohol containers were found in his car.
Seven people, including Muthana, were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Those injured were: Dominick Nicholson, 21; Tyrese Beard 20; James Pross, 40; Debra Hollis, 50; Luis Cruz, 25; Diane Neil, 49, all of Rochester.
Muthana is being held on $20,000 cash bail, $80,000 bond. He returns to court on November 16.
