SUV driver accused of killing girl, 16, propositioned teen and her mother for sex: DA

ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11) --- An alleged drunk driver is accused of propositioning a 16-year-old girl and her mother for sex before intentionally killing the teen when he crashed into her on a Queens sidewalk early Saturday morning, prosecutors said.

Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, had a blood-alcohol level of .137 when he allegedly rammed his 3-ton Chevy Suburban SUV into Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez, 16, her mother, stepfather, and boyfriend after a fight on Roosevelt Avenue at around 4:10 a.m., according to authorities.

The teen was pinned to a pole, and her mother and stepfather were injured in the crash. The girl died at the scene.

Prosecutors said the suspect and his friends were hanging out outside the Prima Donna Restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue when Cruz Gomez offered the teen and her mother money for sex.

The teen's stepfather and the defendant then fought before bystanders separated them. The teen and her family crossed the street to get away from them before Cruz Gomez allegedly got into his SUV and drove onto the sidewalk and barreled into the victims, prosecutors said.

The suspect then allegedly backed out and crashed into an unoccupied van before getting out of the SUV and running away from the scene. But NYPD officers caught up with him a few blocks from the incident.

Cruz Gomez was arraigned Sunday on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and vehicular manslaughter, prosecutors said.

"This defendant is now charged with murder and related crimes, and we will seek justice for Alvarez and her family," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Cruz Gomez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail, according to court records. His attorney could not immediately be reached Monday.