Canarsie man faces vehicular manslaughter charges after fatal drunk driving incident

March 1, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The intersection of Glenwood Road and East 105th Street in Brooklyn where Gary Turner allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian with his 2017 Dodge Caravan while under the influence of alcohol on Jan. 31, around 6:45 p.m.
Screenshot via Google Street View

Share this:

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the indictment of Gary Turner, 47, of Canarsie, on charges of vehicular manslaughter on Wednesday. The indictment comes after Turner allegedly struck and killed 68-year-old pedestrian Luis Garcia while driving under the influence.

According to the district attorney, the incident occurred on Jan. 31, around 6:45 P.M., when Turner, driving a 2017 Dodge Caravan westbound on Glenwood Road, hit Garcia in the crosswalk at the intersection of East 105th Street. The collision resulted in Garcia being thrown to the ground, subsequently leading to his death from severe blunt trauma to the chest and head at Brooklyn University Hospital.

At the scene, responding officers reported signs of intoxication in Turner, including slurred speech, red eyes, and an odor of alcohol. A breathalyzer test administered to Turner showed a blood alcohol level of .132, surpassing the state’s legal limit of .08.

“This defendant’s alleged recklessness in drinking and driving cost an innocent man his life,” said District Attorney Gonzalez. “Brooklyn residents deserve safe streets, and I am committed to holding the defendant accountable for his illegal conduct.”

Turner was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dale Fong-Frederick, facing charges including second-degree vehicle manslaughter, second-degree vehicular assault, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. Bail was set at $150,000 cash or $300,000 bond, with a court return date set for April 16, 2024.