Teen hurt in pursuit crash in Rochester may miss graduation

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — A Rochester teenager was driving to graduation rehearsal when she became the victim of a dangerous police pursuit involving a stolen pickup truck. Paw Moo is supposed to walk across the stage to receive her diploma Saturday. Now, she isn't sure she'll be out of the hospital in time. She said she was T-boned by a stolen pickup truck that deputies were pursuing through several Monroe County communities Wednesday. BACKGROUND: Suspect charged after lengthy stolen pickup pursuit leaves deputy, K-9 and civilian hurt "I was on Dewey, and I was ready to turn to Ridgeway. It was clear, and then all of a sudden I heard sirens, but I didn't see any police cars," Moo said. "I started to turn, and then the truck hit me." Glass shattered as her car spun several times before coming to a stop. "I thought I was going to die," Moo said. "My ears were ringing, and I didn't think I was going to make it because I couldn't move my arm. I couldn't move at all." Authorities said Ryan Novick, 45, of Rochester led deputies on a 48-minute pursuit that began in Brighton after members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office found him driving a stolen Dodge Ram. The sheriff's office said Novick reached speeds of up to 85 mph and caused six separate crashes. The pursuit ended on Lyell Avenue after the pickup became disabled. Novick was arrested and faces nearly a dozen charges. "I just feel like it was selfish because there were innocent people on the road who didn't do anything and still got hurt by a reckless person," Moo said. "It's just not fair because I could have died." Moo was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors determined her arm was broken. "I had surgery today, and I can't lift anything for about three months. It probably won't be fully back to normal for about a year," she said. Moo said she's grateful her injuries weren't more serious but is heartbroken she'll likely miss a milestone this weekend. "I don't think I'm going to make it to graduation," she said. "I'm disappointed because I've been looking forward to it for a long time." A deputy and a sheriff's K-9 were also injured during the pursuit, the sheriff's office said. Investigators said Novick is a predicate felon who has been involved in multiple stolen vehicle incidents and pursuits. He's being held without bail.