QUEENS, NEW YORK — A 30-year-old man has been indicted after prosecutors say he drove drunk and slammed his Honda Civic into a 54-year-old mother of four who was riding an electric scooter in a designated bike lane in Astoria.
Ryan Rampersaud was indicted by a Queens grand jury on one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and one count of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Blanca Arias-Miranda. He also faces two counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Crash in Designated Bike Lane
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the fatal crash happened at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 4.
Prosecutors allege Rampersaud was driving a 2009 Honda Civic southbound on Crescent Street when he made a left turn at 30th Drive. Authorities say he failed to yield to oncoming traffic and drove directly into Arias-Miranda, who was riding her stand-up electric scooter in a marked bike lane and had the right of way.
The impact threw her from the scooter, causing her to strike her head on the pavement.
Severe Brain Trauma and Death
A pedestrian who witnessed the collision called 911. Paramedics transported Arias-Miranda to a nearby hospital, where doctors treated her for severe brain trauma.
She was pronounced dead two days later.
In a statement, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the defendant’s alleged actions “have forever changed the lives of Ms. Arias-Miranda’s family,” emphasizing that roadways must be safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders.
Alleged Signs of Intoxication
Authorities say Rampersaud remained at the scene until police arrived. Officers allegedly observed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness on his feet, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Vomit was reportedly found on the front seat of his vehicle.
Police say he refused to take a Breathalyzer test at the station around 4 a.m. After obtaining a court order, officers conducted a blood test that allegedly showed a blood alcohol level of 0.12%, above New York’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Legal and Civil Action Ahead
Rampersaud appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Hartofilis and is scheduled to return to court on March 26. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.
The victim’s family has also indicated potential civil action. Their attorney told local media they may consider suing the city over what they describe as flawed traffic light patterns at the intersection.
A GoFundMe page created by Arias-Miranda’s family describes her as “the heart of our family,” a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother whose greatest joy was caring for her loved ones.
As with all criminal cases, Rampersaud is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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