An Astoria man faces up to 15 years in prison following a violent incident where he reportedly struck two pedestrians with his car. According to the Queens District Attorney's office, Luis Saula Quindi has been arraigned on multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular assault and driving under the influence.
The alleged event occurred on the evening of Sunday, when Quindi is said to have failed to properly slow down at a stop sign, subsequently crashing into a parked car and then making his way onto the sidewalk. This reckless course of action led to two individuals, a 72-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl, becoming pinned under his vehicle. Both victims were later hospitalized with severe injuries and required surgery. Quindi's arraignment was reported by District Attorney Melinda Katz, who stressed the seriousness of the defendant's failure to adhere to basic traffic laws and the responsibility that comes with the right to drive.
Emergency responders transported the victims to local hospitals for treatment of serious body trauma. The elderly man suffered a fractured shin and knee as well as a shoulder injury, while the young girl needed surgical intervention on her abdomen and leg. Quindi, found with a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit, was arrested at the scene. His driver’s license was discovered to be suspended.
Officials have conducted a thorough investigation, led by Officer Justin Elder of the NYPD's 110th Precinct. Assistant District Attorney Vivian Gonzalez of the DA’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is prosecuting the case. Quindi was ordered to return to court tomorrow, as per Queens Criminal Court Judge Glenda Hernandez's instructions.
