By Nathan Duke
John Duggan, who is a detective for the 46th Squad in the Bronx, was arrested just after 11 p.m. last Thursday following a crash at the corner of Furmanville Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Middle Village, police said. Nickossi Mathurin, 23, of Ozone Park, was seriously hurt in the crash, but is currently listed in stable condition at Elmhurst Hospital, a spokeswoman for Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.Duggan, who was off-duty at the time of the accident, was arrested on DUI charges and allegedly refused to allow police officers to give him a Breathalyzer test at the time of the accident, the spokeswoman said. But police at the scene reported that the officer smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech, the spokeswoman said.The detective was issued a desk appearance ticket by the Police Department, which ordered him to appear in court March 19 where he will be arraigned on DWI charges, the DA spokeswoman said. The officer could face up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine for the charge, she said.But the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, so Duggan cannot take a plea at his arraignment, the spokeswoman said. Duggan could potentially face more charges in the investigation, she said.Police said Duggan's Mazda Tribute collided with Mathurin's 1996 Honda Civic as the officer traveled northbound on Woodhaven Boulevard and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto westbound Furmanville Avenue. Duggan was taken to the hospital where he was treated for a broken ankle and head injury, police said. Mathurin was listed in critical condition for a head wound and a broken arm after the collision, but has since been upgraded to stable condition, a DA spokeswoman said.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
