Times Square Killer Who Ploughed Into Tourists 'Wanted Police To Kill Him'

The man who ploughed his car into pedestrians in New York's Times Square yesterday told police: "You were supposed to shoot me! I wanted to kill them," according to sources.

Richard Rojas, 26, was driving down Seventh Avenue just before midday yesterday, when he suddenly pulled a U-turn and began driving the wrong way down the street and careened into crowds at the popular tourist spot. Rojas killed one teenage tourist and injured 22 others.

The victim has been named as 18-year-old Alyssa Elman, a tourist who was visiting New York from Michigan. Her sister is also reported to have been injured in the attack.

The victim has been named as 18-year-old Alyssa Elman. Credit: Facebook

After crashing his car, Rojas, who is a US Navy veteran, tried to escape from police and ran away from the scene, flailing his arms, before being tackled by cops.

Rojas is alleged to have told officers he wanted to kill the pedestrians and that he was hoping they would kill him, the New York Post reports.

Credit: PA

An eyewitness told the paper: "He was driving like a madman and screaming. It looked like he was trying to hit people. He had the angriest, craziest face, and he was literally going after people."

Rojas was taken into custody where he told police he was hoping to commit 'suicide by cop'. Sources told the Post he wasn't drunk, although he does have previous convictions for driving while under the influence, but police suspect he may have been on drugs.

Credit: PA

According to CNN, a law enforcement source confirmed Rojas tested positive for PCP, which can cause hallucinations, make users feel confused and alter mood. He is also reported to have said God made him do it.

He has been charged with one count of murder, 20 counts of attempted murder and five of aggravated vehicular homicide, the Daily Mail reports.

Since his arrest, reports of his other crimes have come to light. Just last week he was arrested after pulling a knife on a man and asking 'do you feel safe?'. According to court papers seen by the New York Post, Rojas told officers he thought the man was trying to steal to his identity.

He was subsequently charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, but pled guilty to harassment.

Sources: New York Post; CNN; Daily Mail

Featured Image Credit: PA

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19