Disturbing video footage shows the knife-wielding lunatic accused of stabbing a Lyft driver on the FDR Drive leaping into passing cars while trying to flee — before jumping off the overpass.
The madman is seen diving head-first into at least two passing vehicles after allegedly slashing the livery driver near the Manhattan Bridge around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday while trying to steal his black Tesla, according to the clip, posted on the NYStateOfMind subreddit.
Stunned motorists are seen fighting him off and speeding away. The maniac — identified by police as Ismael English — then leaps off the FDR overpass, onto the roadway below, the footage shows.
English, 20, was charged with attempted murder for the knife attack that seriously wounded 36-year-old driver Yadav Kumar Dhungel — whom neighbors described Wednesday as a hard-working family man.
“The guy is a perfect gentleman,” pal Eddie Gencuglo said. “If you ask him for something I’m sure he would have given it. He’s a great guy.”
The driver of the vehicle then emerges from a car window trying to fight off the crazed man who had just stabbed a Lyft driver. RedditDhungel was happy to have gotten a Tesla, telling his friend he’d be able to make more money and save gas, Gencuglo said.
“Stuff like that shouldn’t happen,” he said of the attack. “I guess he just got unlucky.”
Arnold Oseff, who lives next door to Dhungel in Ozone Park, Queens, called the victim “a family guy” who is so quiet that sometimes neighbors don’t even know if he’s home.
Lyft driver Yadav Kumar Dhungel was wounded during a car-jacking attempt on the FDR Drive on Tuesday and rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He was listed in stable condition at the hospital on Wednesday. Paul Martinka
Police said Ismael English, 20, is charged with stabbing a Lyft driver and trying to carjack two other vehicles on the FDR Drive before jumping off the overpass. He was arrested and treated at Bellevue Hospital on Tuesday. Paul Martinka“I’m absolutely shocked,” Oseff said of the stabbing.
“The guy was obviously mentally disturbed, besides the criminal part of it,” Oseff added of the suspect. “He’s mentally ill, obviously.”
Neighbors Eddie Gencoglu, left, and Arnold Oseff said wounded Lyft driver Yadav Kumar Dhungel, who was stabbed during a carjacking attempt on the FDR, is a “perfect gentleman” and a “family man.” James Messerschmidt for NY PostDhungel was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition.
English was also taken to Bellevue after that violent escapade. He has also been charged with attempted robbery, reckless endangerment and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon, according to police.
His Manhattan Criminal Court arraignment was pending Wednesday.
