Crash Video Shows Car Had The Green

by Thomas Breen | Jun 21, 2019 2:12 pm

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Posted to: Legal Writes, Transportation, Downtown, True Vote

A high-ranking cop called for 10-year suspensions of illegal dirt-biker riders’ licenses, as a newly released surveillance video recording of a gruesome collision downtown reveals the car clearly had the green. The Independent obtained the video of the May 30 crash at the intersection of High Street and Chapel Street from the New Haven Police Department through a Connecticut Freedom of Information Act request. According to the department’s incident report, the video was recorded by a Yale University Art Gallery surveillance camera. Pointing up High Street, the video shows a line of cars waiting at the intersection of Chapel Street just after 6:03 p.m. At the 19 second mark of the video, the High Street-facing traffic light changes to green, and the car at the front of the line, a grey Hyundai driven by Madison resident Darren Totten, enters the intersection. A second later, a dirt bike driven by 17-year-old Newhallville resident Christian Marrero slams into the side of the Hyundai, sending Marrero and the passenger on the back of his dirt bike flying over the car and onto the pavement in front of the gallery. Look in the top left corner of the screen at the 25 second mark. Both Marrero and his passenger survived the crash, though Marrero suffered a broken arm, a broken leg, and multiple lacerated organs. According to the department’s incident report, police plan on charging him with multiple misdemeanor counts, including reckless driving, reckless endangerment, operating a motorcycle without a license, operating a motorcycle without insurance, and failing to obey an overhead signal. (Click here to read a previous interview with Marrero.) Decade Deterrence? A few days after the crash, Yale Police Department Lt. Keith Pullen told neighbors at the Dwight Community Management meeting that he has one idea for how to deter dirt bike riders from speeding illegally through city streets. “If they get caught,” he said, “it should be an automatic suspension of their license for 10 years. There has to be some kind of penalty.” He said he understands why the city and university police have no chase policies in place, so that cops don’t inadvertently hurt the suspects, themselves, or any bystanders by chasing along after the bikes. “We can’t throw our lights on and start chasing these kids,” he said. But that means that the university police, along with the city police, have very limited options in terms of how to arrest riders who violate the law. He said Yale police try to catch up with suspects when they stop to refill at gas stations. But beyond that, there’s little they can do. “We don’t know what to do,” he said. With the automatic 10-year license suspension, he said, at least there will be some definite, intensive consequences for those who do get caught. As for Marrero’s crash, he said, “We didn’t think he was gonna make it.” Fortunately, he said, there were two doctors on the scene who happened to be in a nearby Starbucks when the accident took place. “If I could save one parent from going to a funeral,” he said, “we have to do it.” NHPD Updating Strategy Meanwhile, New Haven police are crafting an updated plan to address the illegal dirt-bike menace, according to Lt. Karl Jacobson, who oversees the effort. “We’re looking into some new things” including advanced technology, Jacobson said. Also up for consideration: amending city law to fine rather than criminally charge young people caught riding illegal dirt bikes on the street., “so we’re not giving a young person a criminal record.” Jacobson said he’s looking for ideas from the public as well. He urged people to attend an upcoming public discussion organized by Westville activist Dennis Serfilippi. The dirt bike menace has plagued the city for years, whenever the weather turns warm. Click here to read about one particularly devastating Grand Avenue crash (shown in above video) which left a veteran rider near death. Click here and here to read about some efforts the police have made to work with riders to address the problem. Paul Bass contributed to this report.

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posted by: SparkJames on June 21, 2019 2:28pm Hi.

Flaming socialist here. We need a maximum wage and we must release all non-violent drug offenders today etc etc etc . That said, why suspend their drivers license if they are already driving illegally?

posted by: UBHolden on June 21, 2019 2:46pm A couple of thoughts: 1. Suspend the driver’s license (or if they do not have one, prevent them from getting one) for 2-3 years. That is long enough to be a problem, but not so long that it gets in the way of the person being able to drive to work.

2. Create a hot-line with a reward so residents can call and tell police where these illegal bikes are stored. Then go with a warrant and confiscate them.

3. Fine the driver at least $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and jail for the third.

4. On top of this, if I’m the person who got hit by this kid with no insurance, I’m suing his parents!

posted by: NH4All on June 21, 2019 2:58pm New Haven police are crafting an updated plan to address the illegal dirt-bike menace, according to Lt. Karl Jacobson, who oversees the effort. “We’re looking into some new things” including advanced technology, Jacobson said. Also up for consideration: amending city law to fine rather than criminally charge young people caught riding illegal dirt bikes on the street., “so we’re not giving a young person a criminal record.”

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With all due respect, they’re creating a plan NOW? This is June and dirt bike peak season has already begun. Where I am, it’s year round. When I’m in my yard, I can hear them sounding like chainsaws as if they were next to me and I can also smell their exhaust. As I type this, I can hear two dirtbikes now tearing down my narrow city street. WHY is Lt. Jacobson concerned about giving the rider a criminal record? It’s criminal activity! And knowingly performed despite endangering others as is so clearly shown in this video. What happened to “anonymous tips: just tell us where they’re garaged”? What happened to vehicle confiscation? There are no consequences for riders and not all are young, so the Lieutenant’s idea of fining a rider is moot. And likely, the fine will never be collected.

posted by: Christian Bruckhart on June 21, 2019 3:22pm Drones. Here’s an example from the UK last year:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5906579/Police-drone-catches-dirt-bike-hooligans-pulling-wheelies-business-park-Coventry.html

posted by: NH4All on June 21, 2019 3:29pm ^ Christian, that video is a thing of beauty. :D

I hope New Haven can do the same.

posted by: boxerct on June 21, 2019 3:52pm If these kids want to break the law and endanger themselves and others, then why in the world would be be concerned with whether or not they have a criminal record? I have had them drive by both sides of my car and blow through red lights at full speed several times on Townsend Ave, and it’s just a matter of time before someone gets killed. If they’re acting like criminals, then treat them like criminals, and if they’re under 18, hold their parents responsible for any and all damages plus punitive charges. These kids have no respect for others and no regard for safety, so why are we worried about their futures, when they’re clearly not worried about theirs or ours. Take the bikes, charge the criminals and make the families of minors pay the bills.

posted by: Lifer on June 21, 2019 4:40pm Tell me that young woman running towards the crash scene on Grand isn’t holding her cell phone so she can take a photo.

posted by: THREEFIFTHS on June 21, 2019 5:54pm Here is a better way.If you buy a moped dirt bike from a dealer or person.They can not sell to the buyer with out the buyer having insurance and a license. If the dealer or person sells to the buyer with out the buyer having insurance and a license.Then they two should face a fine.

posted by: Hionamttop on June 21, 2019 10:48pm Most of these riders don’t bother to get a license ..Reg or insurance… So forget the suspension thing…The number one complaint to the police in New Haven are dirt bikes . And they are just now forming a plan? Over. 50. Comments on last post about this jerk, who hit the car. People are upset .How about a certificate needed . when buying a bike from police or state certifying that buyer has passed a course on operating a bike? Oh and when called about bikes ,and where they are stored police don’t most times respond. We get the “we can’t chase them “line…. Highview and Mt top lane are regular race courses for the bikes…last time we ever saw a patrol car up here was Oh never?

posted by: tmctague on June 22, 2019 6:27am You have to catch them to give them a consequence, isn’t that the problem? You won’t catch them with a no-chase policy, and it’s easier for them to ride where cars can’t go if you do chase. Can’t you just follow them around a while, do some po-lice work and see where they live, where they meet, where they buy and fix their bikes, etc.

posted by: fastdriver on June 22, 2019 8:11am Suspending their license for 10 years is a great idea! The only problem is that most of them probably don’t even have a driver’s license and it won’t stop them anyway from still driving and what will happen when they get caught and it shows that their license was suspended for 10 years what’s the next consequence?

posted by: narcan on June 22, 2019 8:19am I will bet a paycheck more than 75% of these criminals don’t have licenses. I would bet two paychecks they would continue riding without a license if it was suspended. That is a pretty impotent punishment. Why are we so concerned about giving criminals a criminal record? A fine? How about 2 months in jail for reckless endangerment? Drones are great, but what happens when the cops attempt to arrest the riders and get run down?

posted by: vpaul on June 22, 2019 10:48am 3/5th’s comment makes the most sense. The seller should not release the vehicle until the buyer produces a license, insurance card and has it properly registered. How do you revoke the license of an “illegal” driver, i.e. one who does not HAVE a license?? Let’s stop blaming irresponsible kids and focus on the adult sellers who make the irresponsibility possible.

posted by: wendy1 on June 22, 2019 11:05am I always look both ways.

posted by: NH4All on June 22, 2019 12:51pm Only problem with the “seller” idea is that many bikes / atvs are stolen or borrowed or bought used . Most around me have 2nd and 3rd hand vehicles . I agree that it’s a good idea though . No one idea will solve this—- it’ll likely be a CONSISTENT combination of things ... plus ENFORCEMENT

posted by: narcan on June 22, 2019 1:37pm Vpaul: A good portion of the dirt bikes you see used in this fashion are stolen or purchased 4th hand. None of them are going to Libby’s with anything besides bolt cutters in hand.

posted by: Dennis Serf on June 22, 2019 2:33pm Wendy - “I always look both ways”. I think that’s a NYC thing. I grew up here and never did until I lived in NYC

posted by: yim-a on June 22, 2019 5:49pm Am I caught in a endlessly repeating clip of “groundhog day”, itself a movie of an endless repeat. A repetition of repetitive event. Which is what the seasonal uproar on the dirt bikes has become. NHPD asking for advice on how to addres the issue? Uh, well, in 2014 -15 a fairly well organized and broad coalition of community leaders ave concerned citizens discussed and debated the issue, publicly (ah remembering Elickers famous public forum showdown with the dirt biker who dared show his face) and behind closed doors. And then a historic push to the legislature and passing of a law to increase fees charged to repatriate confiscated dirt bikes and ATVs (because, when you look at the political reality, it’s very very difficult to pass something more robust). Surely institutional memory in NHPD and the mayors office isn’t so short. There will never be the political stomach for criminalizing possession or operation of the dirt bikes. Like many felonies (or misdemeanors) of vice, the best solution is to eradicate the vice (not the sinner). We tried to increase the price of repatriation in hopes that local intel would allow police to confiscate in large numbers. But obviously that is a policy failure. So I, as a card carrying Obama democrat, have sadly come to the conclusion that nothing short of aggressive drone surveillance will allow NHPD the intel to effectively confiscate the bikers. But I’m not sure it’s worse the price, and so perhaps they must be simply accepted as a part of the price of living in a modern urban ecosystem. But I moved to Hamden 2 years ago and so only rarely hear the echo of dirtbikers moving down dixwell or Whalley, then an almost PTSDish sympathetic response, a rush of adrenaline, the memory of Fair Haven, front street life.

posted by: THREEFIFTHS on June 22, 2019 6:28pm posted by: NH4All on June 22, 2019 12:51pm Only problem with the “seller” idea is that many bikes / atvs are stolen or borrowed or bought used . Most around me have 2nd and 3rd hand vehicles . I agree that it’s a good idea though . No one idea will solve this—- it’ll likely be a CONSISTENT combination of things ... plus ENFORCEMENT But if the Bike is stolen.You report it stolen.It has a Vin number like all vehicles.

posted by: THREEFIFTHS on June 22, 2019 10:03pm posted by: narcan on June 22, 2019 1:37pm Vpaul: A good portion of the dirt bikes you see used in this fashion are stolen or purchased 4th hand. None of them are going to Libby’s with anything besides bolt cutters in hand. If the dirt bikes are stolen.The person who stolen the bike will also be charge with a stolen bike.As far as Libby’s.They can run steel cables through bikes to keep them lock down.As far as purchased 4th hand.That person can not sell to the buyer with out the buyer having insurance and a license.like I said.

posted by: William Kurtz “As far as purchased 4th hand.That person can not sell to the buyer with out the buyer having insurance and a license.like I said.” THREE-FIFTHS, I think you are wrong on the facts here and there’s no requirement for a private seller to make sure a buyer has insurance or a license when selling a vehicle.

posted by: Kevin McCarthy on June 24, 2019 8:25am I understand the anger regarding dirt bikers, but I doubt lengthy suspensions would be effective. The legislature substantially shortened suspension periods for DWI after concluding that people were routinely driving while under suspension. I also suspect that the problem of illegal dirt bike riding is concentrated in a few municipalities, which means that the legislature is unlikely to act on it.

posted by: THREEFIFTHS on June 24, 2019 9:10am posted by: William Kurtz on June 23, 2019 9:38pm

“As far as purchased 4th hand.That person can not sell to the buyer with out the buyer having insurance and a license.like I said.” THREE-FIFTHS, I think you are wrong on the facts here and there’s no requirement for a private seller to make sure a buyer has insurance or a license when selling a vehicle. Correct.But Not if you make it a law that a private seller to make sure a buyer has insurance or a license when selling a vehicle.

posted by: vpaul on June 24, 2019 11:42am Hey, guys! I understand SOME MAY BE STOLEN OR RE-SOLD! Same problems with guns, right? But let’s START the control process (as we are doing with guns) and make it apply to re-sales! Duh!

posted by: challenge on June 24, 2019 5:46pm I have a novel idea. How about providing a legal space for young people to ride? ride? In a city where there is very little for young people to do besides ride their bikes I would think there would be more creative solutions than criminalize them? I’m also curious why there seems to be an automatic assumption that most of the bikes are stolen? Seems like some people believe in using a broad brush to paint all young people in THIS city. Maybe what needs to happen first is an examination of what’s at the roots of those opinions and feelings.

posted by: Kevin McCarthy on June 24, 2019 6:49pm Challenge, I doubt anyone in town would allow their property to be used for this purpose, in part due to liability concerns. Even if they wanted to do so, they would have to get zoning permission. Based on the comments here, you can imagine what the public hearing would be like.

posted by: Perspective on June 25, 2019 10:46am If the true issue was they have no place to ride these off road vehicles, wouldn’t the complaints be they are continually riding them/trespassing off road on private/public property such as parks, woods,etc? NO, they just want to ride them in the streets and cause havoc and mayhem with the added benefit that no one will dare chase them. So much for protect and serve smh….

posted by: Kevin McCarthy on June 25, 2019 10:00pm Perspective, it’s actually a twofer. There are often dirt bikes in Edgewood Park as well as on the streets.

posted by: NH4All on June 26, 2019 6:21am ^...and in the Bishop Woods Bird Sanctuary at the northeast edge of New Haven.