20 Jul Alleged drunk driver hits, kills bicyclist in Brooklyn
An alleged drunk driver is in custody after being involved in a crash that killed a 17-year-old New York bicyclist near a Brooklyn park. The accident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on July 17.
According to authorities, the victim, a male from Gerritsen Beach, was riding his bike at the intersection of Gerritsen Avenue and Gotham Avenue near Marine Park when he was struck by a white Honda Accord traveling south on Gerritsen. The impact of the collision reportedly ripped the bicycle in two. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Officials with the New York Fire Department said that three other people were also injured in the crash and taken to Lutheran Hospital for treatment. No information on their identities was provided.
The driver of the Honda, a 24-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He also faces a charge of vehicular manslaughter for the bicyclist’s death.
Individuals charged with drunk driving in New York can face severe consequences, particularly if they were involved in a fatal car accident. Those arrested for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated could help themselves by invoking their right to remain silent and immediately contacting a criminal defense attorney for counsel. After reviewing the case, an attorney may recommend fighting the charges in court. For example, it may be possible to dispute the accuracy of the blood alcohol content level or field sobriety tests that were conducted, which could lead to a dismissal of charges. In other cases, legal counsel may recommend negotiating for a plea bargain that allows the defendant to plead guilty to reduced charges, a tactic that could help them avoid the most serious penalties.
Source: New York Daily News, “Suspected drunken driver kills 17-year-old riding bicycle in Brooklyn,” Rocco Parascandola John Annese, July 18, 2016