New Haven police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday morning at East Shore Park on Woodward Avenue. Officers arrived at approximately 3:39 a.m. to find a crowd gathered after downtown revelers had been performing donuts and other stunts in the parking lot.

Incident and arrest

According to the New Haven Police Department, a 30‑year‑old local man was filming the stunts when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 18‑year‑old Jaime Enrique Diaz‑Perez, a Guatemalan national who had previously been arrested on assault, felony evading, and interfering with an officer charges. After the collision, Diaz‑Perez fled the scene.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, acting on a targeted immigration enforcement operation, located and arrested Diaz‑Perez shortly thereafter. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified him as an illegal immigrant who had entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas, in January 2022 and had been previously apprehended by Border Patrol.

DHS reported that Diaz‑Perez “refused lawful commands to exit his vehicle and kicked ICE officers.” A passenger in the vehicle attempted to physically interfere with the arrest, but officers were able to secure Diaz‑Perez without further incident.

Victim condition and legal proceedings

The pedestrian, identified as a 30‑year‑old New Haven resident, suffered life‑threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency care. Police have not released further medical details.

Diaz‑Perez’s bond was set at $350,000. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, as stated by a DHS spokesperson who emphasized that he will receive due process under the law.

Background on the driver

Police records show that Diaz‑Perez was previously arrested by New Haven police on August 30 for assault in the first degree, felony evading, and interfering with an officer. The recent incident marks his second encounter with law enforcement in the city.

The Department of Homeland Security also noted that Diaz‑Perez had been apprehended by Border Patrol in January 2022 after crossing the border near Hidalgo, Texas. His prior immigration violations contributed to the decision to place him in ICE custody during the targeted enforcement action.

Community response

Local residents expressed concern over the dangerous stunts taking place in the parking lot and the resulting injuries. New Haven officials have urged the public to refrain from reckless driving behaviors that endanger pedestrians and to cooperate with law‑enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining public safety.

The New Haven Police Department continues to investigate the incident and will release additional information as it becomes available.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.