April 15, 1999

TWO DRAG RACERS ARRESTED AND HIGH-POWERED VEHICLES SEIZED ON FRANCIS LEWIS BOULEVARD

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced today the arrest of two men on felony charges of reckless endangerment in connection with a drag race in which they allegedly competed last night in Flushing. In addition to carrying out the arrests, Queens District Attorney's Squad detectives and 109 Precinct Patrol Officers seized the defendants' customized Ford Mustangs used in the race.

District Attorney Brown said, "Recently we have received complaints from the residents of certain areas of Flushing and Bayside about drag racing on Francis Lewis Boulevard. The noise, not to mention the dangerous situations created by drag racing along our public highways, is offensive to residents and downright terrifying to other motorists. Over the last several years we have conducted several successful drag racing investigations and have made dozens of arrests. Those arrests resulted in criminal convictions and, perhaps even more importantly, the seizure of the vehicles used in the racers. The vehicles were subsequently ordered forfeited to our office by the Supreme Court as a penalty to the defendants for their illegal acts."

"Last night," continued the District Attorney, "Detectives assigned to the Queens District Attorney's Office Squad conducting the investigation into drag racing on Francis Lewis Boulevard prompted by complaints from residents, spotted two individuals engaged in a drag race at about 10:00 pm on Francis Lewis Boulevard between 23rd Avenue and 168th Street. With the assistance of police officers of the 109th Precinct, they apprehended the individuals and seized the two Ford Mustangs they were racing. A nitrous oxide booster was found in the trunk of one of the vehicles. The individuals allegedly driving the vehicles, Louis Salerno, 19, of 35-36 209th Street, Bayside and Peter Medina, 22, of 168-11 32nd Avenue, Flushing have been charged with felony reckless endangerment. In addition, we will seek forfeiture of the vehicles, one of which is a limited edition 1998 Mustang Saleen believed to be worth in excess of $40,000."

District Attorney Brown said that in addition to reckless endangerment, the defendants are also accused of engaging in an illegal speed contest, reckless driving and speeding. They face a maximum penalty upon conviction of up to seven years in prison.

The investigation was carried out by Dets. Jerry LaRocca and Cary Brenner under the supervision of Captain Harold J. Knorr and Lt. Kenneth Rosello of the District Attorney's Squad. Deputy Inspector Edmund T. Hartnett is the Commanding Officer of the 109th Precinct.

Assistant District Attorney Oscar W. Ruiz of the District Attorney's Civil Enforcement Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Anthony M. Communiello and Michael J. Mansfield, Chief of the District Attorney's Economic Crimes Bureau which is under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Robert D. Alexander, is in charge of the prosecution.

It should be noted that an arrest is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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