Amandeep Singh, a 34-year-old resident of Roslyn, faced arraignment today on a range of charges, including manslaughter and assault, following a tragic collision in May that claimed the lives of two young teenagers. The Nassau County District Attorney made the announcement regarding the charges.
Singh pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the investigation and subsequent indictment, the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 3. Singh was allegedly driving his 2021 Dodge Ram TRX in the wrong direction on North Broadway in Jericho, traveling south in the northbound lanes. The District Attorney's Office asserts that Singh was not only driving recklessly and speeding but was also under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
At approximately 10:19 p.m. that evening, Singh's Dodge collided head-on with an Alfa Romeo carrying four teenage boys. Tragically, two of the passengers seated on the right side of the car, Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, both 14 years old and students at Roslyn Middle School, lost their lives in the crash. The two other teenage passengers were taken to the hospital and are currently recovering from their injuries, according to the District Attorney.
After the collision, Singh allegedly fled the scene. However, Nassau County Police apprehended him nearby, where he was discovered hiding in a dumpster in a shopping center parking lot.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly expressed her condolences, stating, "Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz were bright and athletic 14-year-olds with their entire lives in front of them. This catastrophic crash scene was one of the worst we've ever seen here on Long Island, and the alleged reckless actions of this defendant have created a ripple effect throughout the Roslyn community."
Singh currently faces multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter (two counts), second-degree manslaughter (two counts), second-degree assault (two counts), third-degree assault (two counts), leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, reckless driving, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, and driving while intoxicated (two counts).
He has been remanded and is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday, July 25.
If convicted, Singh could potentially face a maximum sentence of 32 years in prison.