A Jersey City policeman who lives in Middletown and has a record spotted with drunk-driving allegations was indicted in Hudson County yesterday in the DWI death of a two-year-old boy in January.
The indictment charges Officer Kevin Freibott with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated assault.
Carlos Zelaya died four days after Freibott, while off duty, crashed his Jeep Cherokee into a car in which the boy was a passenger. The crash occurred on the Pulaski Skyway.
From the Associated Press, via the Asbury Park Press:
The boy’s mother, Ruth Zelaya, 38, also suffered severe head injuries and remains hospitalized. She has never regained consciousness, according to the family’s lawyer, Sam Davis of Teaneck.
Freibott’s attorney, John Young of Jersey City, told The Jersey Journal of Jersey City that he had not yet received a copy of the indictment but said, “We expected it based on the facts in the case and we will now begin the process of reviewing and dealing with the evidence and facts.”
Investigators said Freibott’s blood-alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit for driving. Freibott was suspended without pay and is currently free on $550,000 bail.
If convicted on the most serious charge, he could face up to 30 years in prison, [Hudson County Prosecutor Edward] DeFazio said.
This is from the Jersey Journal story:
The officer is a cousin of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and was hired in December 2005 despite a record including a previous DWI, seven car accidents, seven moving violations and three license suspensions.
