Attempted Murder Charge For LI Woman For Intentional Car Strike During Argument: DA
Philomena Mistretta, 51, of Coram, has been indicted for second-degree attempted murder, and other related charges. She was sitting in the driver's seat of a 2004 White Toyota Sienna when she was involved in an argument with the woman, who was standing next to the passenger side of the vehicle, in the parking lot of Miracle Plaza in Bellport at around 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 26.
The argument escalated after Mistretta got out of her vehicle, then got into a physical altercation with the woman before returning to her vehicle, backing it up, and angling it toward her, then driving over her, and dragging her for a short distance.
The woman was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue with lacerations to her skull and Suffolk police arrested Mistretta at the scene.
Tierney said that using a vehicle "as a weapon demonstrates a shocking disregard for human life."
"Fortunately, the victim in this particular case survived, but the alleged actions here serve as a stark reminder that rage behind a wheel can be just as dangerous as rage behind a loaded gun," he said. "Today's indictment reflects the seriousness of these allegations."
She was additionally charged with one count each of first-degree attempted assault and second-degree assault.
She was ordered held on $100,000, $200,000 bond or $750,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of her case.
Mistretta is due back in court on Dec. 10, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
