Driver in New York City who struck teen girl after she declined inappropriate advances questioned police, “Did I kill her?” according to prosecutors.

Drunk Driver Charged After Fatal Incident in Queens

A 38-year-old man, Edwin Cruz Gomez, is facing serious charges after allegedly hitting a 16-year-old girl on a sidewalk in Queens. After the incident, he reportedly asked police, “Did I kill her?” This tragic event unfolded as prosecutors revealed details following the incident.

Cruz Gomez was driving a 2009 Chevy Suburban with a suspended license when he struck Jhoanny Alvarez outside Elmhurst’s Prima Donna restaurant. This occurred after an altercation involving Alvarez, her boyfriend, mother, and stepfather on a Saturday morning. According to an Assistant District Attorney, Abigail Nowmiller, Alvarez had just left a family gathering when Cruz Gomez began making inappropriate comments to her and her mother.

During the confrontation, Cruz Gomez allegedly made sexually explicit remarks, prompting a heated argument with Alvarez’s stepfather. The situation escalated to a physical altercation, as reported by prosecutors.

Once bystanders intervened, Cruz Gomez got into his car and drove off recklessly. He was said to have navigated in the wrong direction, hitting three of four targets before fatally injuring Alvarez. “She was struck with such force that it was devastating,” noted Nowmiller.

After the collision, Cruz Gomez reportedly continued driving the wrong way until he collided with an unoccupied van. He exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene but was later apprehended by officers. At that point, Cruz Gomez claimed he had been attacked, but authorities soon realized he was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.137, measured four hours after the crash.

During questioning, he made several contradictory statements, including details about the events leading up to the crash. “I was just talking to guys about girls. I might have said something wrong,” he reportedly stated, trying to justify his actions.

Cruz Gomez was seen wearing light blue shorts and a navy t-shirt during the ten-minute court hearing where these disturbing details came to light. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter.

The Assistant District Attorney emphasized the severe impact of the tragedy, pointing out that Cruz Gomez’s actions not only harmed Alvarez but also injured her mother, who required medical attention.

Cruz Gomez has a prior history of driving-related offenses, having had his license suspended earlier in the year after another incident involving driving under the influence. He was later granted a conditional license, which was revoked by the court after this latest incident.