Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hicksville man was indicted for aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges for a high-speed alcohol-fueled crash on West John Street that engulfed the victim’s vehicle in flames, killing a 30-year-old man.
Miguel Nolasco, 43, was arraigned today before Judge Robert Schwartz on grand jury indictment charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony); Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a C felony); Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a C felony); Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a D felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony); Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor); Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated Per Se (an unclassified misdemeanor); and Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor).
The defendant was remanded. He is due back in court on May 6, 2025. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
“With no regard for the lives of other motorists, Miguel Nolasco allegedly barreled down West John Street while intoxicated, driving more than twice the speed limit, and slammed into Jannai Allen as he tried to make a left turn. The impact of the crash set Jannai’s car ablaze and horrifically trapped him inside,” said DA Donnelly. “The defendant allegedly admitted to drinking a dozen beers that night before he made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel that cost Jannai his life. It’s time for drunk drivers to wake up and realize the devastation they are causing or end up serving years behind bars.”
DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment, on September 21, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2005 Honda Odyssey westbound on West John Street towards Prospect Avenue in Hicksville at a high rate of speed.
The victim, 30-year-old Jannai Allen, was traveling eastbound on Prospect Avenue and making a left hand turn towards Cantiague Rock Road when the defendant allegedly crashed into him, causing the victim’s vehicle to become engulfed in flames.
The victim was trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The defendant’s car continued to roll on its side and strike several trees before coming to a stop.
A blood draw taken approximately one hour after the crash revealed the defendant’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was allegedly .21%.
An investigation found the defendant was allegedly driving approximately 100 miles per hour shortly before the crash. The speed limit on West John Street is 40 miles per hour.
Nolasco was arrested at the scene by members of the Nassau County Police Department and transported to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) for treatment for a chest injury and abrasions.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Russell and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Quinn of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. The defendant is represented by Bob Schalk, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.