Driver can escape harsher penalty by informing police

Carrie Bernans, , ‘Black Panther’ and ‘The Color Purple’ Actress, , Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run. The 29-year-old actress and stuntwoman was hit by a driver who crashed into the outdoor dining area of Chirp in Manhattan in the early hours of New Year's Day. . The 29-year-old actress and stuntwoman was hit by a driver who crashed into the outdoor dining area of Chirp in Manhattan in the early hours of New Year's Day. . Bernans is in stable condition at the hospital after suffering several broken bones, 'People' reports. . The incident took place after police responded to a physical assault call involving a male driving a black Mercedes and a female passenger. . Officers on foot attempted to de-escalate the situation and ordered the male operator of the vehicle to put the vehicle into park. The male failed to obey the officers' orders and fled westbound on 33rd Street before making a right turn onto 7th Avenue counter flow to traffic, Via police statement. The Mercedes then turned onto westbound West 34th Street where he mounted the sidewalk and began traveling westbound. The male then struck a food cart and two 39-year-old female pedestrians, a 31-year-old female pedestrian, and a 29-year-old female pedestrian, Via police statement. In addition to Bernans, eight other people, including two police officers, were injured. In addition to Bernans, eight other people, including two police officers, were injured. Bernans' mother took to Instagram to give an update. Despite the injuries sustained in the collision caused by a hit-and-run in NYC, she’s filled with hope and faith in the unfolding of a beautiful new chapter, Patricia Lee, Carrie Bernans' mother, via Instagram. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates this path toward recovery and new beginnings, Patricia Lee, Carrie Bernans' mother, via Instagram