The Woodhaven man who allegedly plowed his car into a group of Astoria club goers in a drunken haze has been arraigned – and has posted $5,000 bail, according to the district attorney.
Renis Kuci, 24, of 98th Street in Woodhaven, is charged with: second-degree assault; first-degree reckless endangerment; reckless driving; second-degree vehicular assault; operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speeding after he allegedly crashed the BMW he was driving into a group of seven people outside the El Noa Noa club in the early morning hours of February 22.
Repeated calls to the club went unanswered.
According to the charges, Kuci, who was allegedly driving at speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour, spun the vehicle in a circle and went onto the sidewalk at the intersection of Steinway Street and Northern Boulevard while attempting to make a turn.
The vehicle struck seven pedestrians outside of the nightclub, both male and female, ranging in age from 20 to 34 years old, and caused various injuries, including a broken leg, cuts and bruises, swelling and other injuries.
Kuci allegedly told police that he had “a few drinks” and refused to take a Breathalyzer test, according to the DA.
“This defendant’s alleged choice to drive after admittedly drinking alcohol turned his vehicle into a dangerous weapon,” said District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “Seven innocent people were injured and are lucky to be alive. This case will be vigorously prosecuted.”
Kuci faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
