QUEENS, NY – A 25-year-old man, Errick Persaud, has been sentenced to serve four to 12 years in prison for a manslaughter charge stemming from a critical car collision that claimed the life of a New York City Department of Environmental Protection worker in July of last year. Persaud pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on May 8, admitting responsibility for the drunken crash that resulted in the tragedy.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz relayed, “Errick Persaud’s selfish decision to drive under the influence led to a senseless loss of life. Persaud not only endangered the lives of all on the road early that morning, but his actions resulted in the death of 36-year-old Michael Rodriguez after striking a DEP vehicle.” Katz emphasized her office’s resolve in prosecuting reckless drivers to deliver justice and some solace to the family of the victim.
The fateful incident unfolded on July 6, 2020, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Surveillance footage captured Persaud speeding through a red light at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Richmond Hill before colliding with a DEP truck. The forceful impact caused the truck to overturn and ejected Rodriguez, who was seated in the passenger side, resulting in severe head and body trauma. Rodriguez was subsequently pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The truck’s driver sustained less serious injuries.
Source: Shore News Network
