U-Haul driver must undergo mental evaluation in NYC attack

The driver of a U-Haul truck that barreled through a New York City neighborhood, killing a food delivery worker and injuring eight other people, will have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation while in custody, a judge ordered Wednesday.

Associated Press

Feb 15, 2023, 10:21 AM

Updated 456 days ago

Share:

NEW YORK (AP) — The driver of a U-Haul truck that barreled through a New York City neighborhood, killing a food delivery worker and injuring eight other people, will have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation while in custody, a judge ordered Wednesday.
Weng Sor, who was charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with Monday’s deadly rampage, made his first court appearance in Brooklyn. The judge ordered him to remain in custody without bail.
Police have said he was suffering from an apparent mental health crisis when he mowed down bicyclists, moped riders and at least one pedestrian over 48 minutes.
Police said Sor, 62, referred to an “invisible object” that came at him, prompting him to go careening through streets before a police cruiser pinned the truck against a building near the entrance to a tunnel leading from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
After his arrest, Sor told police he believed it was “judgement day” and was aiming the truck at “the people that disturbed him the most,” Assistant District Attorney David Ingle said at the court hearing. He said Sor told the officers, “I wanted to end by taking out enemies. Shoot me, I will not give in.”
Sor is expected to be back in court on March 16.
The U-Haul struck three people on mopeds, three people on bicycles, one person on an e-bike and one person who was on foot as the truck moved through a busy section of Brooklyn, just north of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge along New York Harbor, police said. The victims ranged in age from 30 to 66.
The truck also rammed a police car, injuring the officer inside.
Sor’s son told The Associated Press earlier this week that his father had a history of mental illness. Records show he was convicted and served time for multiple acts of violence, including stabbing his own brother.
Sor, who lived in Las Vegas with his mother, came to New York last week after spending time in Florida and was pulled over twice in the U-Haul in the days prior to the attack, police said.
Sor’s criminal history includes stabbing his brother in Las Vegas, for which he served time in a Nevada prison, according to court and prison records.


More from News 12
Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

1:40
Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

2:00
Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

0:36
Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

0:58
Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

1:47
NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

1:38
BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

0:58
Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

0:32
GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

0:24
NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

1:41
Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

1:33
Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

1:53
Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Your New York City Graduation Photos

Your New York City Graduation Photos

0:33
DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

2:12
Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

2:10
Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

1:24
Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

1:55
Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe

Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe