QUEENS, NY – A Jamaica resident has been indicted on multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, after allegedly striking and killing a scooter rider in Astoria last month, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.
The defendant, Ryan Rampersaud, 30, was arraigned on a four-count indictment charging him with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, criminally negligent homicide, and two counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The crash claimed the life of Blanca Arias-Miranda, a 54-year-old mother of four.
Prosecutors said that around 1:40 a.m. on January 4, Rampersaud was driving a 2009 Honda Civic southbound on Crescent Street when he attempted a left turn onto 30th Drive. He failed to yield to oncoming traffic and struck Arias-Miranda, who was operating a standing scooter in a designated bike lane with the right of way.
Victim had right of way in bike lane, DA says
Witnesses called 911 as Arias-Miranda was thrown to the pavement with severe injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she died two days later from brain trauma. Rampersaud, who remained at the scene, showed visible signs of intoxication — including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady balance — and refused a breathalyzer test. A subsequent court-ordered blood draw revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12 percent, above the legal limit.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Hartofilis ordered Rampersaud to return to court on March 26. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.
- Jamaica man charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI in Astoria crash
- Victim, Blanca Arias-Miranda, had right of way in bike lane
- DA Katz vows aggressive prosecution in fatal drunk driving case
“As alleged, the defendant was driving while intoxicated, barreled into a scooter operated by Blanca Arias-Miranda, and killed the 54-year-old mother of four,” said DA Katz. “Our roadways must be safe for all who use them — pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter operators alike.”
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