Tragic Pursuit: The Deadly Consequences of a High-Speed Chase

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 71-year-old grandmother, Juanita Vidal, lost her life in a devastating car crash that also left her daughter, Jessica, critically injured. The incident occurred when a driver, Robert Matthews, 35, fleeing from the police, plowed into the mother and daughter, setting off a tragic chain of events that has left a community in mourning.

A Reckless Pursuit with Devastating Outcomes

The Tragic Incident

The incident unfolded on May 9th, when Juanita Vidal and her 44-year-old daughter Jessica were walking together on Eldert Street and Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, New York. Suddenly, a speeding Mazda CX-5 SUV, driven by Robert Matthews, came barreling through the intersection, slamming into the unsuspecting pair. The force of the impact was devastating, leaving Juanita Vidal with fatal injuries and her daughter Jessica in critical condition.

The Pursuit and Aftermath

According to police reports, the SUV driven by Matthews was being pursued by law enforcement for a traffic infraction. Surveillance footage obtained by The Post shows the SUV speeding through the intersection, narrowly missing a red car before colliding with the mother and daughter. The impact of the crash also caused the SUV to hit a Chevy van, which in turn struck a Honda.

The Suspect's Escape and Capture

After the horrific collision, Matthews fled the scene on foot, heading north on Eldert Street. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was arrested on a warrant two months later, on Monday morning. Matthews, 35, now faces a total of 18 charges, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and felony assault, in connection to the fatal crash.

The Heartbreaking Aftermath

The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, with friends and loved ones mourning the loss of Juanita Vidal. Described as a "healthy woman" by her friend, George Alvarez, Vidal was a mother of three and a grandmother of at least 10 children. The heartbreaking footage of her daughter Jessica kneeling beside her mother's lifeless body, weeping as a police officer futilely administers CPR, has only added to the emotional weight of this devastating incident.

The Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Matthews was arraigned on an indictment in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Tuesday, where he was ordered to be held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for September 18th, as the legal process continues to unfold. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to this tragic loss of life.

The Importance of Responsible Driving and Policing

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for careful consideration of the consequences of high-speed pursuits. While law enforcement has a duty to uphold the law, the safety of the public must always be the top priority. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial that lessons are learned and measures are put in place to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.