Hit-And-Run Girl Reignites DWI Debate

Now that little Ilda Ujkaj, the 10-year-old girl critically injured by a hit-and-run driver, has awoken from her coma, her family has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver, and the attention of local lawmakers has turned once again to strengthening the state’s DWI laws.
Following last fall’s fatal hit-and-run in which 11-year-old Vasean Alleyne was killed by alleged drunk driver John Wirta, elected officials called for more stringent punishments for anyone convicted of DWI.
Under current law, a person who seriously injures or kills someone while driving drunk may only be charged with a felony if the prosecution can prove that, in addition to driving while intoxicated, he or she also demonstrated additional negligence such as running a red light or speeding.
In light of this most current family tragedy, the fight to toughen DWI laws has been reawakened.
“This latest tragedy highlights the need for tougher legislation,” stated Mike Murphy, Communications Director for Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr., Chair of the city’s Public Safety Committee.
Police officials said Ujkaj’s life and the lives of her family members were irrevocably changed on April 11, when Gerard Gormley, 36, who had the equivalent of 10 beers in his system and was legally drunk, ran a red light and crashed into the Ujkaj’s family car at an Astoria intersection, injuring three. Gormley then fled the scene of the near-fatal accident.
“The doctors said it was a miracle she [Ilda] lived,” a cousin who wished to remain anonymous told The Queens Courier. “Everyone was devastated at the tragedy, but as long as she’s OK, we’re happy.”
According to doctors, Ujkaj does not appear to have suffered any permanent brain damage. Family members confirm that she does not have amnesia.
Gormley was arraigned on one charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a felony charge of leaving the scene of an injury-causing accident without reporting it. He was released on $25,000 bail.
Gormley faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
“It is alleged that the defendant’s blood alcohol level of 0.20 was more than twice the legal limit,” said District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “The case is another heartbreaking example of the terrible and tragic consequences that can result from mixing alcohol and driving.”
But relatives, still reeling from the fallout of the accident, are angry at the law and at Gormley himself.
“What hurt us is that nobody [of Gormley’s family] took even a minute of their time to apologize or ask about Ilda,” said her cousin. “Everyone was expecting at least an apology. We haven’t gotten anything. Nobody cared.”
toni@queenscourier.com