On January 28, 2010, Christin Ewing, a 29 year old wrestling coach with Mahopac High School, was arraigned on felony leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charges in the White Plains City Court. The case arises out of an incident on December 19, 2010 at approximately 4:00 AM when 23 year old Raul Rios, (coincidentally also a former wrestling coach with White Plains High School) was struck by a black Mercedes Benz as he was crossing Post Road near Kennedy Fired Chicken. The Mercedes kept going after the accident, which was supposedly captured on video surveillance cameras along Post Road near its intersection with Mamaroneck Avenue.
The videos were enhanced to enable police to identify the license plate number, and police also checked numerous dealers and body shops to determine if any late model black Mercedes with front end damage were brought in for repair over the last 6 weeks.
Rios suffered severe head trauma and was hospitalized for several weeks at Westchester Medical Center before being discharged to begin physical therapy. Apparently, moments after the accident, two other people suffered minor injuries when they were struck by another vehicle while offering assistance to Mr. Rios. The driver of that vehicle, David Bautista of White Plains, also did not stop, and was apprehended near the accident, where he was arrested for DWI and misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.
Judge Eric Press set bail at $20,000 cash or $50,000 bond. If Ewing were to be convicted on the felony leaving the scene of a personal injury accident under section 600 (2c) of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law, he could be sentenced to fines of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, as well as possible jail time of up to 4 years on a class E felony.
The White Plains, New York Law Office of Mark A. Siesel specializes in criminal defense cases and provides a free consultation with an experienced attorney to discuss your rights and legal options. We can reached by e-mail or toll free at (914) 428-7386.