SUV Slams Into Wall On L. I. Expressway In W. Maspeth

A Fresh Meadows man is under arrest after smashing his SUV into a truck last Saturday, Nov. 19 on the Long Island Expressway in West Maspeth, and hurting four passengers— one severely—in the process.

According to police sources, a black Jeep Wrangler driven by 37- year-old John Gilette of 160th Street in Fresh Meadows. entered the highway at the 48th Street ramp, heading eastbound at approximately 5 a.m.

The car eventually collided with a Peterbilt truck in the center lane and swerved out of control into a wall. The truck’s driver reportedly told police that he observed the Jeep driving erratically before the crash.

Two of the passengers were removed to NY Hospital Queens in sta- ble condition. The other two passengers were taken to Elmhurst General Hospital; one of them is in stable condition while the fourth passenger sufered severe head trauma.

The driver of the Peterbilt was uninjured.

According to a criminal complaint provided by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, when officers from the 108th Precinct arrived, they observed Gilette showing signs of in-

-SEE CRASH ON PG. 68- toxication.

When asked, Gilette claimed to have had two drinks, however, he allegedly refused to submit to a blood test at the scene. Reportedly, a court order had to be issued to obtain a sample, and the results are pending as of press time.

Gilette, who was not seriously injured, was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, aggravated vehicular assault and driving without a license.

Bail has been set at $200,000, and Gilette’s next court date will take place on Dec. 5.