Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The New York City Police Department is speaking out after a spokesperson forMeghan MarkleandPrince Harrysaid the couple was involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” in New York City on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, the NYPD released a statement to PEOPLE reading, “The NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Kevin Mazur/Getty
A spokesperson for the couple said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi. This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.”
“While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety,” they continued. “Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all in involved.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.James Devaney/GC Images
The trio was traveling to a friend’s private residence where they were staying after the event, PEOPLE has learned, when the pursuit began.Prince Harry’s motherPrincess Dianadied in a 1997 car crash in Paris that also involved photographers pursuing her vehicle.
RELATED VIDEO: N.Y.C. Mayor Slams Paparazzi After ‘Near Catastrophic Car Chase’ InvolvingMeghan MarkleandPrince Harry
New York City Mayor Eric Adamsreferenced this eventwhile briefly commenting on the news Wednesday.
During a public safety announcement about retail theft, a reporter asked the mayor if he could share any information or comment about the chase involving Harry and Meghan the night before.
“I thought that was a bit reckless and irresponsible,” he added.
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However, he said even if it was a 10-minute pursuit, it would still be “extremely dangerous in New York City.”
“We have a lot of traffic, a lot of movement, a lot of people are using our streets,” Adams explained.
source: people.com
