Watch CBS News

Police: Drunken Driver Kills Brooklyn Pedestrian

NEW YORK (AP) -- An 80-year-old Brooklyn woman is dead after police say she was struck by a drunken driver and dragged for a block before witnesses made the man pull over.

The Daily News reports Maria Prikul and her caregiver were hit by a van Saturday morning while crossing a street in the Bath Beach area of Brooklyn.

Witnesses say Prikul was dragged for a block before passers-by stopped the driver.

Bystanders then tried to save the woman by lifting the van as emergency responders pulled her out.

Prikul and the health aide were transported to a hospital, where Prikul was pronounced dead. The aide, whose name wasn't released, suffered minor injuries.

The van's driver was identified as 52-year-old Mario Vasquez of Brooklyn. Police say he was arrested and faces a slew of charges, including DWI and vehicular manslaughter.

---
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.