Driver Charged In Deadly LI Crash Apologizes, Says He Was High On Drugs
SHIRLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A man has admitted to reporters to driving high on drugs when police say he caused a deadly four-car crash on Long Island.
Kendell Owens, 31, apologized as he was led away in handcuffs on his way to court Wednesday morning. The father of four was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and leaving the scene of an incident.
"I am sorry for anybody that was hurt," he told reporters, including CBS2's Janelle Burrell and WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs. "Sorry for being a bad dad today."
When asked if he was on drugs, Owens replied, "Yes ma'am. I believe it was PCP."
But later Wednesday, Owens entered a not guilty plea in court, CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported.
His attorney said Owens suffered a hit on the head from the crash that may have made his client delirious when he spoke to reporters.
Police: Man Charged After Deadly Multi-Car Crash On Long Island
Killed in the crash was 45-year-old Richard Garcia of Shirley. On his way to court, Owens also apologized to Garcia and his family.
"So sorry to the family," he said. "Richard Garcia, I apologize and I love you."
Owens' apology was little consolation to Garcia's family, who visited the crash site Wednesday, Burrell reported. They said he was on his way to Manhattan where he worked as a doorman to provide for his three kids.
"Apologies is not enough," said Garcia's relative Gerson Suarez. "You can't bring something back with I'm sorry. Justice has to be done."
"Today, I lost my brother, a friend," said another relative, Jeffrey Suarez.
The incident happened Tuesday at the intersection of Montauk Highway and William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.
Just before 10 p.m., Owens was driving east on Montauk Highway when his 2005 Infiniti G35 slammed into Garcia's 2006 Chrysler Sebring that was heading north on William Floyd Parkway, police said.
Alyssa Toth was driving behind Garcia and slammed into him after he was hit, causing Garcia to collide with a fourth car, police said.
"Next thing I know, I was spinning around, all my airbags went off," Toth told Burrell. "When my car finally did settle, my car was facing south."
One man who was nearby described what he saw seconds before the crash.
"The car that was behind them, the black car, got hit by the car that was trying to make the turn. The other SUV that's behind the black SUV, I guess, he was trying to follow the traffic, also impacted the cars behind," he said. "It happened so fast."
Toth said Owens was speeding and dodging a police car moments before the initial impact.
"I saw a white undercover cop car with its lights on. Before the dust could even settle, he was already there. And he jumped out of his car and I saw him run after someone that was in the silver vehicle," she said.
Driver Charged In Deadly LI Crash Apologizes, Says He Was High On Drugs
Police said Owens ran from the scene and was arrested after a foot chase. Owens said he fled because he was "scared they were gonna hurt me."
In all, eight people from the four vehicles were taken to the hospital where Garcia was pronounced dead, police said. The others, including Owens and Toth as well as two young children, were treated and released.
Garcia lived less than a mile from the scene. Police have not yet confirmed whether they were chasing Owens through the intersection before the crash.
Owens' attorney said despite his on camera admissions, he is innocent and will challenge the charges.
Detectives are asking anyone with any information about the crash to contact the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555.
