Parolee Charged in Boston Road Crash

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 6- Cops say a recently released parolee was evading arrest when his stolen vehicle slammed head-on into a car carrying two nursing home employees headed to work. One victim has suffered severe head trauma and remains in critical condition at Jacobi Hospital.

Pelham Manor police were in pursuit of a stolen 2001 Dodge Durango, when the SUV slammed into a green Saturn sedan at 6:15 a.m., on August 5, at Boston Road and Marolla Place in the Baychester section.

A witness at the scene stated, "They were being chased by the police when they crashed, it sounded like a bomb went off."

A man and woman were pulled from the stolen SUV, the woman was apparently taken to the 47th Precinct for questioning. The man was taken away in handcuffs and was taken to Jacobi Hospital, where he was handcuffed to the bed until he was given a court-ordered sobriety check. After several hours at the hospital the suspect was arrested and taken to the 47th Precinct for processing.

Police say ex-con Daniel Straker, 37, of the Bronx, has seven prior arrests for assault, drug and weapons possession. One police source stated that Straker had just been released for a 2009 menacing and assault conviction and had a suspended drivers license at the time of the crash.

One published report also stated that Straker had been released on June 1st and had not reported to his parole officer as required.

Published reports say Valerie Eubanks, 62, and Shirley Scott, 53, both of the Bronx, both worked in the kitchen of the Bay Park Center for Nursing and Rehab on Co-op City Boulevard.

Published reports also say that Scott suffered swelling on the brain as well as serious leg injuries in the crash and remains in critical condition. Eubanks suffered multiple fractures in her arms, rib and hip and both are recovering at Jacobi Hospital.

Straker has been charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated vehicular assault and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Additional charges are expected.