ALBANY, N.Y. — The 19-year-old accused of causing a fiery crash in Colonie at Blessings Tavern accepted a plea deal from the Albany County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday.
Michael Carr pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree and driving while ability impaired by alcohol and any drug. Carr faces six years in prison, followed by three years post-release supervision when he's sentenced next month.
In court, Carr admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana before he drove his car with Niko DiNovo in the passenger seat on October 28, 2016. Carr says he was driving 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone when he lost control, slamming into a truck parked outside Blessings Tavern.
The car and restaurant went up in flames, and DiNovo, trapped inside the vehicle, suffered burns to more than 95 percent of his body. DiNovo has been at Westchester Medical Center ever since.
Carr was released by a judge last year following his arraignment under the supervision of probation. A source confirmed to Spectrum News last week that on December 1, Carr was put back in jail after he had two encounters with police -- one for underage drinking and another for overdosing on Xanax.
DiNovo's cousin, Marcus Resciniti, says Carr’s plea deal is long overdue.
"It’s about time. It’s been almost 14 months now, and he’s finally taking responsibility for what he did," Resciniti said.
Carr is scheduled to be sentenced January 30.