Sentence In Mercedes V Cadillac Collision

A Suffern man who nearly killed another driver in a head-on collision in 2015 in Ramapo has been sentenced to five years in prison. Jonathan Elwell, 36, was found guilty by a jury of:

• One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a class “D” Felony
• Two counts of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, class “E” Felonies
• One count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Serious Physical Injury, a class a class “E” Felony
• Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, class “A” Misdemeanors

“The Rockland County District Attorney's Office has zero tolerance when it comes to individuals getting behind the wheel while their ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs," DA Thomas P. Zugibe said Monday in the announcement. "In this case, the defendant has been held accountable for his crimes and faces jail time and additional sanctions as punishment.”

At about 12:48 a.m. Oct. 14, 2015, Elwell, while operating his 2011 Mercedes-Benz westbound on Route 202 in Montebello, collided head-on with the victim’s 2001 Cadillac.

Immediately following the collision, an eyewitness observed the driver attempting to re-start his vehicle’s engine. Elwell then ran away down Route 202 and stumbled into a wooded area.

About three hours later, he contacted Ramapo Police stating that: (1) he was involved in a traffic accident; (2) he blacked out; (3) he remembered an accident, but nothing else; (4) he was alone in the car.

Officers located Elwell at the intersection of Route 202 and Bayard Lane, a half-mile from the accident site in an intoxicated state.

More than five hours after the collision, experts put the defendant's blood alcohol content (BAC) at
.11.

An investigation into the crash revealed that Elwell did not brake or attempt to avoid a collision with the victim’s Cadillac, as the victim attempted unsuccessfully to avoid being struck.

The victim was treated at both Good Samaritan Hospital and Westchester Medical Center, where he underwent multiple surgeries on his left leg, right hip and right foot. The accident left the victim unable to walk without the use of a cane.

Following the jury verdict, the Honorable Judge David Zuckerman dismissed one count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree pursuant to a post-trial motion decision. Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Assistant District Attorney Marissa Licata prosecuted the case.

PHOTO/ Rockland County DA's Office

SEE: Verdict in Mercedes v Cadillac Collision