An off-duty cop testified in the Jerry Kitchen car crash trial, alleging defendant Nakita Aguon was the driver - this as defense has argued that Aguon was not the one behind the wheel at the time of the crash. 

Back on trial, Aguon appeared before Presiding Judge Alberto Tolentino at the Superior Court of Guam today.  Aguon is the woman accused of crashing a jeep into Jerry Kitchen restaurant back in February 2021 after a night out of drinking.  Defense continuously arguing aguon was not the one behind the wheel that night. 

Guam Police Department Officer Joneen Terlaje was a passenger inside the jeep. She was off-duty at the time of the crash.  Terlaje testifying as the prosecutor's witness. 

On the stand, she recalled the night starting at Applebee’s before she rode with two others in Aguon’s jeep to The Venue in Hagatna.  The plan was to return back to the restaurant in Tamuning aft

 

er the bar. 

Terlaje admitting on the stand she was drunk but was also certain Aguon was the driver.  

"Nakita Aguon was the driver," the officer said.

Terlaje also recalling Aguon crying and apologizing after the jeep slammed into the building, adding that she heard the defendant telling responding Guam Police officers at the scene that she was the driver. 

"I was afraid for my life. I was afraid we were going to lose our lives that night," she said. "I do remember there was blood on Nakita’s face though I remember that."

"She was crying," she said. When asked if she said anything while she was crying," she responded, "She was apologizing to us."

The office also confirmed that Aguon identify herself as the driver."

Prosecutors contend Aguon was the driver who crashed the jeep into the restaurant 10 to 15 minutes after leaving bar, arguing that she allegedly admitted to authorities that she was trying to make a left turn but lost control and hit the curb before the accident occurred.  The prosecution also argues Aguon, Terlaje, and two of her passengers were seen in video surveillance at the bar taking more than a handful of shots within four hours.

Witnesses told investigators they saw the women helping Aguon down the stairs as they left the bar.

The questionable police investigation and public scrutiny later led to Aguon being charged with driving while impaired.