A 16-year-old girl was killed in Queens, New York, after she and her mother were allegedly harassed by a drunk driver who then used his vehicle as a weapon. The driver, 38-year-old Edwin Cruz Gomez, is accused of making crude sexual advances toward the teen and her mother before running them down with his SUV early Saturday morning.
The incident began outside a restaurant where Gomez approached the girl and her family with inappropriate comments. A physical confrontation followed between Gomez and the girl’s stepfather, which bystanders broke up. As the family walked away, Gomez reportedly got into his vehicle and intentionally drove it into the group, pinning the teenager against a pole and injuring her mother.
The teenager died at the scene. Her mother is recovering in stable condition. Gomez fled but was later apprehended by police after crashing into a parked car nearby.
Authorities say Gomez is an illegal immigrant from Honduras with a long history of prior arrests, including multiple DUI charges and a prior deportation. His most recent arrest before this incident was earlier this year for driving under the influence, after which he was released. ICE has now placed a detainer on him.
Gomez faces numerous charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault. The case has reignited concerns about immigration enforcement and public safety, especially regarding individuals with repeat offenses.
