Rampage Suspect Is Under Psychiatric Watch

The man accused in this week’s hit-and-run rampage that killed a pedestrian and injured at least 18 others was under psychiatric observation Thursday even as he faced charges of murder, attempted murder and battery.

Omeed Aziz Popal, 29, was being held in a locked hospital jail cell and his first court appearance was delayed until Wednesday to await a report on his mental state. Relatives say Popal had been growing increasingly unstable.

Popal told investigators he was angered by a family dispute immediately before the rampage; a cousin said he was upset because he wanted to return to Afghanistan to visit his wife, but his family would not let him travel.