DA: Teen Driver in Fatal New Hyde Park Crash Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide

A New Hyde Park teen was arraigned Wednesday in connection with a fatal crash that killed a father and injured his wife and 6-year-old daughter in August, authorities said.

Deepak Kumar, 17, was arraigned in Nassau County Court on multiple charges.

On Aug. 19, Kumar was driving west on Second Avenue at the intersection of Covert Avenue where his car struck a 2012 Ford Fusion heading south. As a result of the crash, Pierre Antoine suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Marta Shawl-Antoine, and daughter, Soliana, suffered injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Kumar was arrested later that night by the Nassau County Police Department.

On Wednesday, Kumar was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree two counts of assault, second-degree vehicular assault, two counts of third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, driving while ability impaired – drugs, reckless driving, and driving a motor vehicle without a proper license, according to the Nassau DA’s office.

Bail was at $300,000 bond or $200,000 cash, officials said. Kumar is due back in court on Oct. 15.

“Pierre Antoine lost his life because this driver was selfish and reckless,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said.

“Mrs. Antoine and her young daughter, Soliana, were seriously injured,” Rice added. Six-year-old Soliana, witnessed her father’s death. This tragedy was completely avoidable and unspeakable.”

Jan Goldman, who represents Kumar, said the teen was not intoxicated, but did not eliminate whether drugs were a factor, citing the need to examine hospital records, according to News12 Long Island.

Related:

Cops: Teen Arrested for DWI After Fatal Crash in New Hyde Park

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