Aug. 22, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
A Bronx driver who allegedly plowed his SUV into three pedestrians in Jackson Heights Saturday – leaving one of them in critical condition – has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), vehicular assault and other crimes.
Edilito Pichardo Rodriguez, 23, allegedly got behind the wheel of a red-colored BMW X5 while intoxicated and smashed into three men – aged 25, 28 and 32 — at 86th Street and Northern Boulevard at around 4:20 a.m., police said.
Rodriguez, police said, was traveling westbound on Northern Boulevard when he lost control of the 2012 BMW and veered off the roadway.
He slammed into the victims who were standing on the sidewalk next to a light pole.
The 28-year-old victim suffered head injuries and remains in critical condition, police said.
The 32-year-old suffered injuries to his torso while the 25-year-old has minor leg injuries. They are listed as being in stable condition, according to police.
All three victims were taken to Elmhurst Hospital, police said.
Rodriguez, the driver, remained at the scene and was taken into custody, police said.
He has also been charged with reckless endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of more than .08 percent, reckless driving and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).
A video of the immediate aftermath of the collision shows two of the injured men lying on the sidewalk. The video was posted by @NY_Scoop, a social media page that posts about crime and traffic-related incidents in New York.
**Warning: Graphic content, viewer discretion is advised**
Queens: Northern Blvd & 86th St, a man driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol was arrested last night after driving into a group of 3 people. All 3 were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, & the driver was arrested the @NYPDnews/@NYPD115Pct & charged with DWI. pic.twitter.com/Qe1YIjXkM8
— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) August 21, 2022
A citizen user uploaded a video of the scene more than three hours after the incident. It shows the BMW crashed against the pole.
There are also police on the scene and the intersection is closed off to motor traffic.
Police Activity @CitizenApp
8701 Northern Blvd Aug 20 7:39:28 AM EDT