Nineteen-year-old Gerson Alette Jr., from North Miami Beach, appeared in court Monday following a fatal car crash in Hollywood. Authorities say Alette was driving a white vehicle recklessly, weaving through traffic at high speeds before crashing and flipping his car.
The collision happened on May 11 near Sheridan Street and 40th Avenue. The other vehicle involved burst into flames, killing its driver, Douglas Freeman. Freeman, 49, was a Navy veteran, father of seven, and a beloved local barber.
According to prosecutors, black box data from Alette’s car showed he was traveling at 97 miles per hour just seconds before the crash—more than double the 45 mph speed limit in the area.
Alette reportedly told investigators he was late for his job at the Longhorn Steakhouse on Sheridan Street.
The judge allowed Alette to post bond but imposed a strict no-driving order while the case moves forward.
