NEW YORK – The driver of a vehicle that crashed into a motorcyclist, killing him on Thanksgiving eve in Queens, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Jairo Ortiz has also been charged with driving under the influence and driving without insurance and vehicle registration.
The crash happened early Saturday morning in Elmhurst.
According to court records, “At approximately 1:15 a.m., the defendant was driving a black 2011 BMW southbound on 82nd Street and collided with an unidentified victim, who was operating a 2021 Zhilong Fly Wing motorcycle, near the intersection of 82nd Street and 37th Avenue. The victim was transported to a local hospital with traumatic head injuries and died shortly thereafter.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Jairo Ortiz has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while under the influence, and other crimes for allegedly hitting an unidentified
“As alleged, the defendant was driving a car while under the influence of alcohol. In addition, neither the defendant nor his vehicle was authorized to be on the road. Laws meant to protect us were willfully broken. The consequence of that decision is a senseless loss of life,” Queens District Attorney Melindda Katz said today.
A blood alcohol test administered by police responding to the scene of the collision showed the defendant’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit.
“The defendant was unable to produce a valid driver’s license or proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle, a BMW with a Pennsylvania license plate not matching the vehicle’s VIN,” Katz said.