A dispute over a parking spot in New York City's East Village escalated into a physical altercation between a skateboarder and a Mercedes driver, captured in viral video footage. The incident occurred Tuesday around 3:50 p.m. on St. Marks Place near Second Avenue.
According to police sources, the skateboarder and a companion were holding the parking space for an arriving vehicle when a motorist attempted to pull into it. The skateboarder then reportedly used his board to smash the side window of the Mercedes SUV before throwing the board at the vehicle. Video footage shows the board striking the SUV and shattering the front windshield.
The 34-year-old driver exited the vehicle and pursued the skateboarder. The driver managed to grab the skateboard and attempted to strike the skateboarder with it. However, the skateboarder regained control of the board and used it to hit the driver. The two then engaged in a physical struggle, with the skateboarder eventually placing the driver in a chokehold.
An NYPD spokesman confirmed that the driver was attempting to park in the spot at the time of the confrontation. Eyewitnesses observed the altercation.
Following the incident, the skateboarder fled the scene. The driver was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. As of Saturday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and police were seeking the skateboarder.