For years Sudanese refugee Kok Mayiik had been working to bring his wife and three-year-old son to Omaha.
Last month we reported that friends and co-workers helped Mayiik raise money to bring his wife Ayour and son Mayiik to the U.S. When they finally arrived in mid-October, Mayiik told KMTV he was ecstatic to have his family back together.
“I am too happy right now. If I was a dog, I’d be wagging my tail,” said Mayiik back in October.
Mayiik and his family are now separated once again. The 35-year-old is behind bars. Police say Mayiik crashed his car on Monday evening while driving drunk with his wife and son inside. Investigators say he was three times the legal limit.
“There was a guy and a lady and a little boy and they were a little bit noisy,” said a gas station attendant.
A gas station attendant who didn't want to be identified saw the family moments before the crash in his parking lot near 83rd and Harrison. He says Mayiik and his wife were arguing.
“He was here and he punched my ice machine outside,” said the attendant.
The attendant says Mayiik drove off around 8:30 p.m.
“It's inconceivable to drive when you're that intoxicated, let alone with your wife and kid in the car,” said Ralston Deputy Chief of Police Mark Leonardo.
Ralston Deputy Chief of Police Mark Leonardo says witness say Mayiik drove the wrong way down Harrison, corrected himself, hopped a curb and hit a sign. Mayiik then hopped another curb and slammed into a tree by Walgreens.
Leonardo says three-year-old Mayiik was on his mom's lap even though there was a car seat in the back. He suffered facial and head injuries. He and his mom were taken to the hospital. Both are expected to be okay.
“It could have been a lot worse. If you see anybody that is intoxicated to that level, obviously at a .277, he has to be showing signs of impairment, if you see him get behind a wheel call 911,” said Leonardo.
Mayiik has worked at the same company for more than a decade and on Tuesday they released this statement, "Omaha Door & Window is very saddened by this incident. We don't condone Kok Mayiik's actions. We have been in contact with his wife and child to give them the support they need. We will continue to help ensure their well-being."
Kok faces multiple charges including DUI and operating a vehicle with no child restraint.
