A tow truck driver in New York City, accused of an attack that resulted in the death of a 61-year-old man during a parking dispute, was released without bail on Monday. The incident occurred at a gas station in Brooklyn over the weekend.
The driver, identified as a 30-year-old named Kevon Johnson, was charged with assault after allegedly punching Carlyle Thomas in the face. Despite Thomas' death being classified as a homicide, Johnson faces a low-level charge due to the nature of the incident being a 'one-punch' homicide.
According to law enforcement sources, the law only allows for charges related to the punch in such cases, as intent to cause death or serious injury is difficult to prove. Additionally, Johnson was released without bail because of statewide bail reforms implemented in 2020, which made the misdemeanor charge ineligible for bail.
The altercation reportedly began over a parking dispute at the gas station, where Thomas, who was known to help the owner, failed to pay a $10 parking fee. When a tow truck was called to move Thomas' car, a confrontation ensued between him and the driver.
Surveillance footage from the incident shows Thomas attempting to prevent the tow truck from moving his car. In the ensuing argument, Johnson allegedly struck Thomas with a single punch, causing him to fall and hit his head.
Prosecutors handling the case of 'one-punch' homicides like this one must consider factors such as the intent of the attacker and the demeanor of the victim, as these cases are not often prosecuted as murder or manslaughter.
Carlyle Thomas, the victim in this tragic incident, was a former horse racing jockey in Jamaica who later worked with horses at the Aqueduct Race Track. Reports indicate that Thomas had a history of seven arrests, including three for felonies, while Johnson has no prior criminal record.
Johnson's next court appearance is scheduled for April 25, as per online records.
