The councilwoman was joined by Brendan and Mei Ogle, Roberts parents, as the City Council heard testimony in favor of the bill last month.
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 wont leave their cars running and unattended. This is necessary legislation that will avoid big problems for a lot of people because of someone elses carelessness.
Ogles death made headlines earlier this year after police alleged that the teens killer was a drunken car thief.
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 lashed out at the officers with a drunken rant before admitting to drinking, taking pills, stealing the car and hitting both victims.
Ive been to Rikers a thousand times. Im not giving you any more info.Im homeless.I live on the street.I have a license but its 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 dont know what youre doing.You have nothing on me.Youre just locking me up for DWI?Im 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 by police.
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 didntthink 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.
Crowley said she will begin working on an awareness campaign to inform drivers of potential penalties before the law goes into effect next year.

