After Omar Ali heard the crash, things became chaotic. Neighbors, he says, were frantic as they rushed to save the four victims.
"I didn’t know what to do until the guy came in he asked for ice and the water that's when we ran out to help," said Ali.
Police say the incident happened around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, just four hours before NYPD Transit Officer Nicholas Batka was supposed to begin his shift.
Investigators say the 28-year-old was drunk and speeding when he hit a curb near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and 8th Street in Williamsburg, plowing into the two men and two women. All were taken to the hospital but a 21-year-old man wouldn't make it.
"I go to the other side of the SUV and I see another guy and people were trying to help him and his thigh is completely severed," said Angelica Zielinski, a friend of Officer Batka.
Batka who police say, had only been on the force for a year and a half, has since been suspended. He has been arraigned on multiple changes including manslaughter, assault and driving while intoxicated.
Witnesses say after the crash, it appeared Batka was attempting to get away from the scene but bystanders wouldn't let him.
"People were keeping him in the car, keeping him seated but it was very apparent he was drunk," said one bystander.
As for Ali, he believes the victims were regular customers in his store. His heart is heavy, learning one of them passed away.
"It feels awful, just really bad," Ali said.
Batka also faces charges of second degree vehicular manslaughter and driving on a sidewalk.