Charge man in fatal DWI accident

A Lindenwood man has been charged with manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a three-car accident resulted in one death Saturday, November 10.
Christopher Rivera, of 149-38 85th Street, was headed southbound on Woodhaven Boulevard in Ozone Park, between 101st and 97th Avenues, when he veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a 1999 Nissan Maxima. The Nissan then struck a 2006 BMW. The driver of the Nissan, a 66-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident, which took place shortly before 11 p.m., sent three additional parties to the hospital, including the 25-year-old Rivera, who suffered lacerations to his back and arms, as well as neck and back injuries.
A 24-year-old male passenger in the Honda and a 60-year-old female passenger in the Nissan also received neck and back injuries. All injured parties were listed in stable condition at Jamaica Hospital.
A 24-year-old man and 27-year-old passenger in the BMW suffered no injuries.
The NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, whose officers responded to the scene, did not release names of the victim or other parties involved.
At Rivera’s home Tuesday, November 13, family members declined comment on the matter while Rivera recovers at the hospital.
In published reports, one uncle said Rivera, who loads trucks for UPS, was a “good kid who made a bad, bad, bad mistake.”
Neighbors said Rivera and his family were relatively quiet, and expressed surprise and shock at what had taken place.
“Being so close to my house, I’m very shocked,” said Kathy Lopes, who lives three units down from Rivera. “Typically, there isn’t much of anything that goes on here.”
Lopes, who has lived in her current home in Lindenwood for nine years, said she didn’t know the family well, but called the accident a “shame.”
One neighbor, who remained anonymous, took a less forgiving stance.
“Anyone who drives drunk is nuts,” she said. “They shouldn’t be allowed on the street.”
Neighbor Ulysses Rivera - no relation to Christopher Rivera - said the family is usually quiet, and “doesn’t bother anybody.”
“I’ve seen [Christopher Rivera] hanging out late at night,” said Rivera. “I see him coming home from work or leaving for work - most of the time I see him, he’s driving someplace. Sometimes I see him walking the dog. He’s always been quiet.”
Rivera added that “people make mistakes. Who knows if driving drunk is something he did a lot, but he’s gonna have to face his mistakes now.”