Drunk driver who fatally struck teen in Queens after she spurned his advances is previously deported Honduran illegal immigrant with multiple arrests: ICE

It has been revealed that the drunk driver who fatally struck a 16-year-old girl in Queens, New York, on Saturday is an illegal immigrant from Honduras with several prior DUI arrests, according to a senior US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official.

Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, was taken into custody by the New York Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday. He faces a slew of charges, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and other crimes.

Officials said Gomez allegedly ran down the teen victim, Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez, and her mother after they rejected his sexual advances, Fox News reported.

The suspect "subjected 16-year-old Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and her mother to crude sexual solicitations and harassment," reported ABC. A fight ensued, which turned physical, between the girl's stepfather and Gomez. The two men were pulled apart by bystanders, per officials.

"The victim, her mother, stepfather and boyfriend proceeded to walk away from the restaurant, which is when the suspect got into his car, 'barreled his 3-ton vehicle into them' and 'pinned the teen against a pole' with his Chevrolet Suburban, the district attorney's office said," per ABC.

The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, while the mother is listed in stable condition. ICE lodged an immigration detainer on Monday.

The incident occurred around 4:15 am on September 13. Gomez allegedly struck the mom and daughter, then drove off in a 2009 Chevy Suburban, according to police. He later hit a parked car at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Benham Street, police allege.
 

Gomez has several prior arrests, as well as a previous deportation in 2005. His most recent arrest was on January 26 for DUI, and he was quickly released from jail. On November 13, 2024, Gomez was convicted in Nassau County of driving without a license and was sentenced to five days in jail.

Officials said Gomez was arrested in October 2024 for possession of a forged instrument but was ignored by ICE because it did not meet the Biden administration's requirements for detention, per Fox News. Additionally, Gomez was arrested by ICE Long Island following a DUI arrest in April 2013.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.