An Omaha man reportedly went on a reckless drive through Midtown that left a young boy fighting for his life. Marquel Carter, 27, is charged with felony child abuse resulting in serious injury and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Judge Craig McDermott sets his bond at $250,000 10% in Douglas County Court on Wednesday.
Police say during the afternoon of Aug. 18, Carter slammed into a car from behind at 40th and Hamilton streets and took off. He allegedly drove 80 miles an hour with his girlfriend’s unrestrained 4-year-old son in his car. Authorities say he got in another serious crash at Military Avenue and Decatur Street that injured the other driver, himself, and critically injured the boy.
"First of all the child wasn't restrained like the child should be and that's a violation of the law in and of itself, but then you have the individual knowing that who's driving 80mph down the street after being in one accident and crash and getting involved in another one. There's a total disregard for this child's well-being and safety," Douglas Co. Attorney Don Kleine explained.
Police say he admitted to smoking marijuana before he got behind the wheel.
If convicted on both charges Carter faces up to 70 years in prison. He will be back in court in September.
