ERIE COUNTY, NY – Nicholas M. Rich, a 35-year-old resident of Darien, was arraigned on Saturday before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler. Rich faces charges of Vehicular Manslaughter, Tampering with Evidence, Driving While Intoxicated, and Reckless Driving.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 13, at about 8:40 p.m. when Rich, allegedly driving under the influence and at high speeds, caused a crash at the intersection of Broadway and Schwartz Road in the Town of Lancaster.
Following the collision, Rich is accused of discarding a thermos with suspected alcohol from his vehicle.
Both the driver and one passenger from the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and were rushed to ECMC. A second passenger, a 10-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Campus.
Rich was also transported to ECMC with injuries. He is set to return for a felony hearing on Thursday, at 3:00 p.m. and is currently held without bail.