Cops Say Driver Involved Had License Revoked
Five people were injured after an out-of-control car operated by an allegedly unlicensed driver slammed into a Woodside bus stop last Saturday night, Feb. 1, police reported.
Detectives later collared the driver involved in the accident- identified by police as Luis Andrade, 32, of 88th Street in Jackson Heights. Reportedly, his driver’s license was revoked three years earlier.
Law enforcement sources said the crash occurred at about 7:36 p.m. last Saturday at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 48th Street.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, Andrade was behind the wheel of a white 2003 Mazda 6 traveling along Northern Boulevard when he suddenly lost control of the sedan.
Law enforcement sources said the vehicle veered off the road, mounted the sidewalk and slammed into the five victims waiting inside a bus stop shelter.
Immediately after the accident, police said, Andrade allegedly sped away from the scene.
Officers from the 114th Precinct and EMS units responded to the scene. Paramedics rushed each of the victims to local hospitals.
One woman reportedly suffered a broken leg; an 8-year-old girl received a fractured skull. Three others had minor injuries, law enforcement sources said.
Police later located the Mazda 6-which sustained front-end damage-on 61st Street in Woodside, about a mile from the crash site.
Detectives learned that the sedan belonged to a woman who claimed she had allowed Andrade to use the vehicle.
Law enforcement sources said Andrade allegedly contacted the woman later that night and asked her to report it stolen. The next morning, police noted, he allegedly contacted her again and admitted to being involved in an accident.
Based on a review of DMV records, police determined Andrade had his license revoked in May of 2010; it had been suspended more than three previous times.
Andrade was taken into custody on Sunday, Feb. 2, by Det. Rino Mitacchione of the NYPD Highway District and charged with multiple counts of leaving the scene of an accident and aggravated unlicensed operator.
Court records indicated Andrade was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Monday, Feb. 3, before Judge David Hawkins and ordered held on $150,000 bail.
He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 14.
