NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A drunk driver was charged in a multi-vehicle accident that caused the death of a tow operator on a Queens expressway last October, authorities announced Thursday.
Denzel Porter, 28, was arraigned on an indictment charging him with vehicular assault in the first and second degree, assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in second degree, criminally negligent homicide, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and operating or driving an unregistered motor vehicle, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Porter allegedly caused a chain of collisions on the Long Island Expressway that resulted in the death of a tow operator and serious injury to a motorist.
According to the charges, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on October 8, Porter was driving with two female passengers at an extremely high speed in a Dodge Durango on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway near Woodhaven Boulevard.
Carlos Santiago, a 47-year-old tow truck operator, was also outside his Ram truck on the right shoulder of the roadway, helping 27-year-old motorist Rakiem Ali with his disabled Nissan sedan, officials said.
Porter’s Dodge Durango slammed into a silver Volkswagen SUV driven by 66-year-old Peter Park and both the Dodge and Volkswagen then collided into the Nissan sedan, striking Santiago and Ali, who were standing nearby.
Santiago was thrown towards the service road parallel to the expressway and suffered severe lower body trauma, including the loss of one of his legs.
The Nissan owner and tow operator were both taken to a local hospital.
Santiago died as a result of his injuries, police said.
Ali required intensive surgical care for his injuries. Both passengers of the Dodge Durango and the Volkswagen driver were also taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-critical injuries.
Investigators responding to the scene of the accident observed the defendant exhibiting signs of intoxication.
Porter is set to return to court on May 2.
If convicted, Porter faces up to seven years in prison.
"There's nothing more selfish than getting behind the wheel and driving under the influence," Katz said. "Everyone with whom we share the road deserves our respect and consideration and has every right to reach their destination safely. The defendant is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated and will be held to account for the tragic consequences of that decision."
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