OUI cited in Mardi Gras crash
NEW ORLEANS — The man who allegedly plowed into a crowd enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans had a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit, police said yesterday.
The New Orleans Police Department issued a statement identifying the man as 25-yearold Neilson Rizzuto. He’s being held at the city’s jail on charges of first-degree negligent vehicular injuring, hit-and-run driving causing serious injury and reckless operation of a vehicle.
The accident happened Saturday during one of the busiest nights of Mardi Gras when thousands of people gather in Mid-City to watch the elaborate floats.
Police said yesterday that 28 people were hurt in the accident that sent 21 people to the hospital; an additional seven people at the scene declined medical help. At least three victims remained hospitalized overnight with moderate to serious injuries, police said yesterday. There were no fatalities.
Ages of the victims ranged from 1 year old to patients in their 50s, police said.
Police said a breath alcohol test determined that Rizzuto’s alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
Rizzuto is being held on $125,000 bond in a New Orleans jail.
Rizzuto’s father told WWLTV that he was still trying to understand what happened and that his son is a “good kid.” John Rizzuto told the station that he spoke with his son multiple times yesterday morning and that his son said “a stranger gave him a drink off the street and that’s the last thing he remembered.”
Saturday night’s parade was put on by the Krewe of Endymion, which is known for its long, elaborate floats and the big party it hosts at the Superdome after the parade.