NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A man who fled from New York to Tennessee following a deadly 2020 hit-and-run car crash that killed one and severely injured two pleaded guilty on Wednesday, prosecutors said.
Jason Clotter, 34, fled New York after the collision and was extradited from Knoxville, Tennessee, last year, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.
Clotter has pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, one count of Assault, and one count of Leaving the Scene of an incident without reporting.
On Feb 17, 2020, Clotter was driving north on Park Avenue at a speed double the legal limit.
He proceeded to run through two red lights at the intersections of East 128th and 129th Streets, resulting in a collision with a livery vehicle. The impact pushed the livery car into the parking area beneath the elevated train tracks on Park Avenue.
Deborah Yvonne Gray was left severely injured in the car. She was rescued by first responders utilizing the "Jaws of Life" tool, used to save people from heavily damaged vehicles. Gray died from her injuries six weeks later.
The livery driver also sustained serious injuries. After the incident, Clotter left his vehicle through the sunroof and ran away from the scene, followed by his passenger, who had also suffered severe injuries.
Clotter later left New York within days of the incident and eventually ended up in Tennessee.
His sentencing is scheduled for Nov.30, where he is expected to receive a prison term of up to 12 years.
"Today's guilty plea ensures there will be significant accountability for this fatal hit-and-run,” Bragg, Jr. said. “Reckless driving continues to be a scourge on our streets, and far too many families like Ms. Gray's are mourning the loss of loved ones who have been killed by dangerous drivers. We will continue to treat traffic violence with the seriousness it requires."