GRAND JURY INDICTS BRONX MAN IN THE DEATH OF A THREE YEAR OLD BOY CRUSHED BY AN OUT OF CONTROL MACK TRUCK

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today the indictment of Freddy Rodriguez in the death of a three year old boy who was struck by a truck that was being driven by the defendant.

The grand jury indicted Rodriguez, 55, of 909 Kelly Street, the Bronx, on one count of Manslaughter in the 2nd degree and two counts of Driving while under the influence of alcohol. Additional charges are still pending before the grand jury. Manslaughter in the 2nd degree is a Class C felony offense punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment. Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Thursday, September 8, 2005 in Part A.

Saquann Williams, 3, was struck and killed on August 1, 2005 in the vicinity of Mount Eden Avenue and East 173rd Street. The defendant, according to court papers, allegedly struck the child, his mother, Tasha Gibbs, and another woman, Giselle Buie, after driving the truck through a red light. Gibbs suffered a fractured skull, punctured lung and broken pelvis. Buie suffered severe brain trauma. Four other people were injured in the incident in which the truck also slammed into several occupied vehicles before coming to a stop.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gary Weil.