Verdict in Mercedes v Cadillac Collision

NEW CITY, NY — A Suffern man Rockland has been convicted of felony assault and drunk driving connected to a head-on collision that nearly killed another driver in 2015.

County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe announced Wednesday that Jonathan Elwell, 35, was convicted — after a jury trial — 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 “E” Felony
• Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, class “A” Misdemeanors

“The defendant’s decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol resulted in serious injury to an innocent man," Zugibe said in the announcement. "His conduct that early morning clearly demonstrated that he is a threat to public safety. This case is another example of the terrible consequences that often result from drinking and driving.”

The accident happened on Route 202 in Montebello almost two years ago, on Oct. 14, 2015. At about 12:48 a.m., Elwell, driving his 2011 Mercedes-Benz westbound, collided head-on with an eastbound 2001 Cadillac. The other driver was seriously injured.

Immediately following the crash, an eyewitness observed Elwell attempting to re-start his vehicle’s engine. He eventually fled, running down Route 202 and stumbling into a wooded area, prosecutors said.

Roughly three hours later, Zugibe said, Elwell 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.