Defendant Jason Clotter Fled New York Following 2020 Collision
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JASON CLOTTER, 34, for a fatal hit and run car crash that killed one and severely injured two others. CLOTTER fled New York State following the collision, and was extradited from Knoxville, Tennessee earlier this week.
CLOTTER is charged in a New York Supreme Court Indictment with one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree; two counts of Assault in the Second Degree; one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting – Death; and two counts of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting – Serious Physical Injury. [1]
“Despite causing a horrific car crash that led to the death of one individual, Jason Clotter allegedly immediately fled New York to avoid prosecution. Today’s indictment makes clear that we treat any deaths that result from reckless driving just as seriously as any other form of violence,” said District Attorney Bragg.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2020, CLOTTER was driving north on Park Avenue traveling at double the legal speed limit. He ran through two red lights at the intersections of East 128th and 129th Streets, where he collided into a livery vehicle.
The impact of the collision caused the livery vehicle to careen into the parking area underneath the elevated train tracks that run through the middle of Park Avenue. The crash severely injured Deborah Yvonne Gray, who was reached by first responders using the “Jaws of Life” tool, which is used to cut through cars when they are significantly damaged. Ms. Gray died six weeks later from her injuries. The livery driver also sustained serious injuries.
Immediately following the crash, CLOTTER climbed through his sunroof and left the scene with his passenger who had sustained serious injuries. He then fled New York within days of the incident and eventually ended up in Tennessee.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Randolph Clarke Jr., under the supervision of Robert Ferrari (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Senior Rackets Investigators Donjya Bardliving, Richard Ramos, Steven Lane and Jose Vasquez; Digital Evidence Analyst Taylor Strickland; Trial Preparation Assistants Abigail Hartz and William Fazzone; and former Trial Preparation Assistant Natale Scotto have assisted with the case.
D.A. Bragg thanks the NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad, Detective Karl Zarek, NYPD Warrant Section, Detective Munir Alhidami, Knox County Sheriff’s Department and the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office.
Defendant Information:
Jason Clotter
Knoxville, Tennessee
Charged:
- Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting – Death, a class D felony, one count
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting- Serious Physical Injury, a class B misdemeanor, two counts
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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.