NEW YORK -- A young woman was killed and 22 others hurt when a speeding car slammed into pedestrians in Times Square Thursday, officials said.

Police said Richard Rojas made a quick U-turn onto 42nd Street in his maroon Honda sedan and then drove up the sidewalk filled with pedestrians for three blocks before slamming into a pole around 11:55 a.m.

"He's just mowing down people," said Asa Lowe, of Brooklyn, who was standing outside a store when he heard screaming. "He didn't stop. He just kept going."

The crash killed an 18-year-old woman and the injured included her 13-year-old sister, police said. Four of the injured are in critical condition, three are serious condition. Fifteen of the injuries are "less serious," the FDNY said in a tweet.

Rojas, a 26-year-old from the Bronx and U.S. Army veteran, was combative with officers arresting him, authorities said.

Rojas has two prior convictions for drunk driving -- in 2008 and 2015, according to CNN. The crash is not believed to an act of terror, police said. Rojas was to be tested for drugs and alcohol.

The crash happened midday on a hot, clear day that brought large crowds of people into the streets to enjoy the weather. Video posted online showed steam or smoke pouring from the 2009 Honda for a few moments after it stopped moving.

BREAKING NEWS: Speeding vehicle strikes pedestrians on sidewalk in New York City's Times Square. pic.twitter.com/tQsgkZTV2g — Breaking News Feed (@pzf) May 18, 2017

#FDNY confirms 1 fatality, 12 injuries in Times Square motor vehicle accident, 45 St/Broadway pic.twitter.com/M3aEHZw7Go — FDNY (@FDNY) May 18, 2017

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.