What to Know
Incident Details
A man in Queens is facing a litany of charges after allegedly driving under the influence with his three children in the car and hitting a school bus, seriously injuring two of his children, the local district attorney said.
Charges and Consequences
Junior Deslances, 42, was arraigned Friday on a 21-count indictment charging him with three counts of aggravated vehicular assault, three counts of vehicular assault in the first degree, vehicular assault in the second degree, three counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by combined use of drugs or of alcohol and drugs, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by use of drugs, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, operating a motor vehicle without a passenger properly restrained with seatbelt or safety seat and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
He faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted. Deslances’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 4.
Incident Circumstances
The charges stem from an incident that allegedly took place on Nov. 18, 2024, shortly before 8:30 a.m. It was at this time that day that Deslances was driving his three children – ages 15, 11, and 5 – to school on Brookville Boulevard in the backseat. Deslances was allegedly speeding and following closely behind another vehicle. When the driver of that car stopped, Deslances – in an effort to pass that vehicle – crossed the double yellow line on the two-lane road, hitting another vehicle and then the school bus head on.
Injuries and Damages
The 15-year-old was taken to the hospital with multiple face fractures. The 11-year-old suffered multiple spinal cord fractures and a deep cut to the face. The 5-year-old was treated for a cut to the head. The school bus driver was treated for head pain and nausea.
Chemical Test Results
According to Katz, Deslances’ blood alcohol content was.17%, more than double the DWI threshold of.08%. He also tested positive for the presence of THC. Deslances was also allegedly driving with a suspended license. A court-authorized search of the defendant’s car found multiple marijuana cigarettes and an open bottle of beer.
District Attorney’s Statement
“The defendant, as alleged, made the irresponsible and selfish decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol and consuming marijuana, putting the lives of his own children at risk as well as everyone else on the road,” Katz said. “There is absolutely no excuse for driving while impaired and the grand jury returned very serious charges against the defendant.”
Conclusion
The reckless and irresponsible behavior of Junior Deslances put the lives of his children and others at risk. The district attorney’s office has taken the necessary steps to hold him accountable for his actions. It is essential for all drivers to be aware of the dangers of driving under the influence and to prioritize the safety of themselves and others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Question 1
Q: What is the maximum sentence Junior Deslances faces if convicted?
A: Up to five to 15 years in prison.
Frequently Asked Question 2
Q: What is the blood alcohol content of Junior Deslances?
A:.17%, more than double the DWI threshold of.08%.
Frequently Asked Question 3
Q: What is the next court appearance date for Junior Deslances?
A: Feb. 4.
Frequently Asked Question 4
Q: Were there any passengers properly restrained in the vehicle at the time of the incident?
A: According to the police report, the 15-year-old and 11-year-old children took off their seatbelts and buckled them over their unbelted younger sibling.
Frequently Asked Question 5
Q: What is the current status of Junior Deslances’ driving license?
A: According to the police report, Deslances was allegedly driving with a suspended license.
