West Hempstead man arraigned in 2021 fatal Woodmere crash
A West Hempstead man is due back in court Aug. 12 after being arraigned for his role in what authorities said was a high-speed, drunken-driving crash that killed a 15-year-old girl last year on Peninsula Boulevard in Woodmere.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said Arlin Aguilera, 34, was arraigned Thursday in Nassau County Supreme Court before Judge Robert A. Schwartz. Aguilera pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree reckless endangerment, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and speeding.
Aguilera was previously released on $100,000 cash bail, and bail was continued. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.
His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.
According to authorities, Aguilera was driving his 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck northbound on Peninsula just before 11 p.m. on Dec. 11 when he crashed into an Audi Q5 as it made a left turn into the southbound lanes from Edwards Avenue. The crash killed the teen passenger in the Audi and seriously injured the driver, authorities said. Three other passengers in the Audi also were injured.
Aguilera was arrested by Nassau County police on Dec. 12.
"This tragic case is yet another example of the fatal concoction that is driving drunk and speeding on our roadways," Donnelly said in a statement Friday, adding: "That alleged dangerous combination resulted in a teenage girl losing her life, and serious injuries to the driver and other teen passengers.
"We see too many fatal collisions following this same pattern in Nassau County, and our prosecutors will continue their diligent pursuit of safer streets and justice for the victims," Donnelly said.
Jets hire new coach ... Trump's order on gender ... Fitness Fix: Pulse Body Fitness ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
Jets hire new coach ... Trump's order on gender ... Fitness Fix: Pulse Body Fitness ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV