Driver Charged in Fatal Incident Involving Teen

A driver accused of fatally hitting a 16-year-old girl in Queens has been identified as an undocumented immigrant. The driver, Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, has a history of run-ins with law enforcement, including prior deportations.

Prosecutors allege that in 2009, Gomez struck the teenager in Queens while driving a Chevrolet. The situation escalated during an argument involving the girl, her mother, and her boyfriend, which ultimately led to the tragic incident when Gomez reportedly fled in his vehicle.

Gomez, originally from Honduras, faced a slew of legal issues in the past. Sources indicate that he had previously been deported following a charge in the U.S. back in 2005. He had been arrested in 2013 for driving under the influence and was even detained on Long Island.

Despite a subsequent deportation order, he was released after three months due to an alternative detention program. A federal official noted that his deportation had not been prioritized by the current administration. When arrested again in 2024 for possessing false identification, he faced minimal consequences.

A further incident this January for another DUI violation led to his release once more, raising concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement actions regarding repeat offenders.

According to reports, following his latest arrest, it was discovered that he had been driving with a blood alcohol level almost double the legal limit at the time of the crash.

Now, he is facing serious charges, including attempted murder and vehicle manslaughter, with the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

As of now, responses regarding his case from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not been forthcoming.