Crowley was joined by Brendan and Mei Ogle, Robert’s parents, as the City Council heard testimony in favor of the bill.
“I know too well that an unattended and running car can become a deadly weapon. It is necessary to increase the awareness and penalties for people who are careless with their personal property because money talks,” Brendan Ogle said. “If people are aware that it costs $250, then they won’t leave their cars running and unattended. This is necessary legislation that will avoid big problems for a lot of people because of someone else’s carelessness.”
Kenneth Guyear, 27, of Middle Village, was arrested shortly after the hit and run and charged with a laundry list of criminal complaints, including assault, vehicular manslaughter, grand larceny, criminally negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated.
Prosecutors said Guyear stole a silver Kia — left idling near Woodhaven Boulevard and Alderton Street in Rego Park — and sped away through Middle Village, eventually striking the teen and his friend.
Guyear was later stopped by police in the then mangled car near Woodhaven Boulevard and Dry Harbor Road, where he allegedly delivered a drunken rant before admitting to drinking, taking pills, stealing the car and hitting both victims.
“I’ve been to Rikers a thousand times. I’m not giving you any more info.I’m homeless.I live on the street.I have a license but it’s revoked.I had three glasses of vodka.The car smells like alcohol but what did I do?” he said, according to police records. “You guys don’t know what you’re doing.You have nothing on me.You’re just locking me up for DWI?I’m gonna have your job.For a black cop you just follow what the white guy tells you to do.”
Guyear allegedly blew .126 on a breathalyzer before he was taken into custody.
“I stole the car that was parked on the street,” he later admitted, according to court documents. “I drove the car and saw the pedestrians but I didn’tthink I hit anybody.I kept driving and then stopped the car and looked for blood on the car. I kept driving and the police stopped me.”
Guyear, who pleaded not guilty, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
|
|
