Driver in Firey Crash had two Prior DUIs
Brandon Borge, 34, the driver of the SUV involved in the fatal crash on Sunday, had a suspended license and has two warrants out of Florida for violating his probation in connection with two prior DUIs.
The driver of the SUV involved in the fatal crash on Oaklawn Avenue early Sunday morning had an outstanding warrant for probation violation out of Florida in connection with two previous DUI incidents, Cranston Police reported today.
Police continue to investigate the fiery crash that started with a police pursuit in Warwick and ended when 34-year-old Brandon Borge of 264 Brayton Ave., Somerset, crashed the SUV into an abutment at the Routes 2 and 5 split. He had been clocked at 91 to 94 mph according to police radar readings and was driving so erratically, police believe he was on alcohol or drugs.
The passenger and owner of the SUV, Barbara Ellis, 34, died in the crash.
Cranston Police released a narrative of the events leading up to the crash this afternoon.
In it, it describes Officer Joshua Myer trying to extinguish the burning SUV, which caught fire after the crash, at the same time he tried to pull Borge and Ellis from the vehicle.
He was later treated at Rhode Island Hospital for smoke inhalation and cuts, but not after he and officers from Warwick Police, State Police put out the fire and extricated both passengers.
Myer reportedly was heading south on Bald Hill Road near Herb Chambers Cadillac when he saw the white Ford Freestyle "operating erratically at a very high rate of speed.
As the vehicle passed under the Centerville Road overpass, "it slowed briefly but began to accelerate once again, continuing north on Route 2," the release stated. "Officer Myer noted that considering the vehicle's excessive speed and erratic operation, the operator may have been under the influence of liquor or drugs."
The SUV continued north onto Route 2, varying speeds and exceeding the speed limit. The car was operating left of center, "actually straddling the white dotted lines that separate the north and southbound lanes," police said. It was then that Myer attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Once his lights were activated, the SUV "slowed for a moment" and then turned east onto Tollgate Road. The SUV then made an abrupt 180 degree turn and went back onto Route 2, where it again accelerated at a high rate of speed."
The SUV was swerving back and forth and at one point, it seemed as if it was going to turn onto 295 North, but swerved back onto Route 2 towards Cranston. As it raced past W.B. Mason, Myer lost sight of the SUV as it approached the Route 2 and 5 split.
When Myer crested the hill, he saw the SUV smashed against the abutment of the Meshanticut Viaduct Bridge. The car caught on fire moments later.
Borge was pinned inside. Myer grabbed a fire extingusiher and sprayed the engine compartment. Additional officers arrived and they put out the flames and removed the occupants.
Borge reportedly lost both legs in the crash and and remains in trauma intensive care at Rhode Island Hospital.
Police said Borge was operating on a suspended license in addition to the Florida probation violation warrant.
Police did not say what, if any, charges Borge will face as a result of the investigation.
Nancy Casey
10:50 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
Brandon Borge killed my daughter on April 1, 2012 - why hasn't he been arrested yet?
My daughter, Barbara Ellis, burned to death - what is the hold-up? Mother of Barbara - Nancy Casey
Nancy Casey
10:53 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
Please keep me notified of the status of Brandon Borge's pending arrest - I am the passenger's mother. She was killed by him on April 1, 2012. What the hell is going on?
Brandon Borge
2:37 am on Saturday, January 5, 2013
It will happen soon enough nancy but I will join Barbara before that ever happens... I will not go to jail like this my life is hard enough being burned and a cripple. I am so sorry for your loss I wish she survived and I did not. Please forgive me some day
sue
7:01 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
nancy have you gone to see the District attorney of cranstons county hes the one to put pressure on then go to the paper if not satisfied
Brandon Borge
1:51 am on Saturday, January 5, 2013
I had 43% of my body burned lost my legs lost my best friend and the love of my life lost everything I ever owned and have to live with the fact that Barbara is gone every day and all you people want is my arrest... Every day I wish I never survived. I wish she survived and I didn't. I'm so sorry for your loss... I live in pain every day physically and emotionally every day. I wish I could take it all back but I can't. I wish you could forgive me but I understand. If you could see what I have to go through every day then maybe that would make you happy because I suffer. I hate myself for what happen. I miss my best friend so much.. I would do anything to have her back. To see a crippled man in jail you will have your wish soon enough... I'm so sorry
Brandon Borge
2:32 am on Saturday, January 5, 2013
The police had the license plate why didn't they shadow the car and just meet at the house. why did they chase us through back streets? I might have had alcahol in me but not enough to warrant a chase like that. she is gone cause of me but i tried to let her out but she wouldnt get out. I don't rember much except trying to save her as police tried to pull me out of the car... I was cutting her seat belt as they pulled me out and i screamed to save her not me but they say didn't know she was in the car bullshit... all they wanted was the arrest not to save her life... I tried to save her they did not.. She is gone cause me but they could have handled it better.. I am not the only person in that city they chased and someone died within a few months. I am to blame but so are they
RS
1:17 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
That a boy, blame the cops. Why didn't you pull over???? If YOU didn't flee then there wouldn't have been a chase. Stop blaming others for your mistakes.
DR
1:53 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
Brandon, stop playing the "poor me" card. You were the driver, you failed to stop, you made all the mistakes. You obviously have not learned to take responsibility for your actions. You took off from the police because you didn't want to take responsibility for your actions & now you're trying to blame them for chasing you after, YOU decided to run. She is no longer here because of you, realize it and live with the suffering!
brandon
2:25 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
What you don't think I do??? Take one look at me and watch what I go through for a day... I hhave to live with it every day... 9months of pain and suffering and still going.. I miss her more then any of you could know we had over 20 years of history together. I'm sorry for what happen I wish it could be undone cause i would do anything. I don't know why I didn't stop or why it even started. Again to everyone I am truly sorry for what happen
Adam
10:25 pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2013
I'm happy to report that Brandon sits in jail tonight to face the charges that he has avoided since November. He was finally found and arrested in mass today. We shall see how the court handles a "man" that already fled Florida with warrants and didn't go to court to face charges of killing the "love of his life". Someday I hope he learns he is not the victim in this story. Sadly too is that nancy passed away jan. 5th while Brandon was on this very site ranting how we should feel bad for him. She would be so relieved this evening. I do not wish harm or torture for Brandon, I do however feel justice needs to be served. I pray that he someday uses this tradjedy to help others cope or avoid this situation all together.
Adam, brother of Barbara and son of Nancy
alyshia
5:12 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013
So sorry for all that you are going through, Adam. I just recently heard about your mother's passing. Wish I could have paid my respects in person to both you and your family. I hope you continue to find the strength to keep moving forward. Your outlook is remarkable. It just goes to show what a kind person your mother raised you to be. I am sure both she and Barbara are proud. I will be praying for you!
Mark Schieldrop
5:38 am on Thursday, April 4, 2013
Sorry for your losses, Adam. It takes a lot to share on a public forum.
Meredith
8:50 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2013
Adam I am so proud of you.... Your sister and Mom are with you today and everyday helping you stay strong through all of this... Love you little brother....
Ron C
9:00 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013
Justice will be served both legally and physically. This person made a foolish, criminal decision that night which led to these circumstances. No one cares that you were burned or lost your legs. Let me reiterate that. Not one person feels bad for you Brandon. Your alcohol induced stupidity led to the chase and eventual accident. Your 100% at fault. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you will be able to make peace with yourself. I wouldn't mind seeing this guy spend ten years in the ACI - cripple or not your still breathing. I'm glad public pressure helped in this case.