Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced the arraignment today of a New Hyde Park teen on an indictment in connection with a fatal crash that killed a father and injured his wife and 6-year-old daughter.
Deepak Kumar, 17, of New Hyde Park, was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice William Donnino in Nassau County Court on an indictment of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony), Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (a C felony), Aggravated Vehicular Assault (a C felony), Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (a D felony), two counts of Assault in the 2nd Degree (a D felony), Vehicular Assault in the 2nd Degree (an E felony), two counts of Assault in the 3rd Degree (an A misdemeanor), Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree (an A misdemeanor), Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol (an unclassified misdemeanor), Driving While Ability Impaired-Drugs (an unclassified misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor), and Driving a Motor Vehicle Without a Proper License (a violation).
Justice Donnino set bail at $300,000 bond or $200,000 cash. Kumar is due back in court on Oct. 15.
“Pierre Antoine lost his life because this driver was selfish and reckless” DA Rice said. “Mrs. Antoine and her young daughter, Soliana, were seriously injured. Six-year-old Soliana, witnessed her father’s death. This tragedy was completely avoidable and unspeakable.”
DA Rice said that on Aug. 19, a 2003 Toyota Camry, was operated at a high rate of speed by Kumar westbound on Second Avenue at the intersection of Covert Avenue where it struck a 2012 Ford Fusion travelling southbound. As a result of the crash, Pierre Antoine suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Marta Shawl-Antoine, and 6-year-old daughter, Soliana, suffered injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Kumar was arrested later that night by the Nassau County Police Department.
Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Dellinger and Christopher Casa of DA Rice’s Vehicular Homicide Bureau are prosecuting the case. Kumar is represented by Jan Goldman, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.