Aggravated assault while DUI charges filed in Unity crash

A Unity man was arraigned Thursday on aggravated assault while driving under the influence charges in connection with a July crash that left two people seriously injured.

Gianni A. Gonzalez, 24, used marijuana and drank alcohol prior to the July 11 crash, according to court papers. He is free on his own recognizance.

State police were called to Route 982 near Coventry Lane in Unity around 6 a.m. on July 11 for a two-vehicle crash. A Kia Optima that Gonzalez was driving crossed over the center line and slammed into a Ford Focus, police said.

Gonzalez and one of two of his passengers told investigators they had been drinking and were headed to the Unity home of Gonzalez, who also listed a Miami address in court records.

Police said Gonzalez smelled of alcohol and marijuana and appeared disheveled with bloodshot, glassy eyes at the crash scene. A crash reconstruction showed the Kia was traveling 47 mph in a 40 mph zone and police said speed was not a factor in the crash.

The second passenger in the Kia and driver of the Ford both were hospitalized. The passenger sustained a serious cut to the head, internal injuries and major bleeding. The Ford driver sustained internal injuries and sepsis. Both had prolonged hospital says, according to court papers.

Gonzalez refused transport at the scene but was checked out at a hospital on the advice of EMS personnel. It was unclear from court papers if he was hurt.

His attorney could not immediately be reached. A Nov. 6 preliminary hearing is set.