Edwin Cruz-Gomez, a 38-year-old man with a history of driving offenses, has been accused of a tragic incident in which he struck 16-year-old Jhoanny Alvarez with his vehicle after allegedly harassing her. The confrontation occurred outside of Prima Donna Restaurant in Elmhurst, Queens, where Alvarez was leaving with her mother, stepfather, and boyfriend following a family gathering. During this encounter, Cruz-Gomez reportedly made inappropriate sexual advances, leading to a physical altercation with Alvarez’s stepfather. Prosecutors allege that this prompted Cruz-Gomez to leave his vehicle and recklessly drive away, resulting in Alvarez’s grievous injuries.
The situation escalated significantly when Cruz-Gomez, in a drunken state with a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, decided to drive his SUV at high speed towards the group. He drove the wrong way down a one-way street, mounting the sidewalk and directly hitting Alvarez. The impact was so severe that it resulted in Alvarez being impaled, another grim detail shared by prosecutors during Cruz-Gomez’s arraignment. After the collision, Cruz-Gomez purportedly reversed his vehicle, crashing it into an unoccupied van before abandoning the scene and fleeing.
When confronted by police, Cruz-Gomez behaved erratically, claiming to have been assaulted and giving varying accounts of the incident. He minimized his actions by suggesting he was merely discussing a girl and mischaracterized his driving while under the influence. His disoriented state reflected both his alcohol intoxication and his apparent detachment from the gravity of his actions, as he repeatedly questioned whether he had killed Alvarez. This chaotic response from Cruz-Gomez added further complexity to a harrowing case that deeply impacted the victims’ families.
Cruz-Gomez faces multiple serious charges, including second-degree murder and attempted murder, among others. The District Attorney emphasized the weight of the allegations and underscored the intent behind his actions, believing that Cruz-Gomez deliberately targeted the girl and her family with his vehicle. Alvarez’s mother also sustained injuries during the incident and required hospitalization, illustrating the broader impact of Cruz-Gomez’s reckless behavior. The severity of the case has led to public outcry and demand for justice for Alvarez and her family.
In the past, Cruz-Gomez had a problematic driving history, facing charges for driving under the influence earlier in the year, which resulted in a suspended license. After a subsequent speeding incident, he was allowed a conditional license even after his previous infractions. Despite these prior warnings and legal consequences, Cruz-Gomez chose to drive intoxicated on the day of the incident, suggesting a troubling pattern of behavior with little regard for the law or public safety.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Cruz-Gomez has been denied bail and is set to return to court for further hearings. If convicted, he faces serious potential penalties, including 25 years to life in prison. The case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding drunk driving and the devastating effects of such reckless actions on innocent lives. With the community rallying for justice, the focus remains on the remembrance of Jhoanny Alvarez and the ramifications of Cruz-Gomez’s actions.
