Queens man indicted in drug-impaired crash that killed Nassau crossing guard
MINEOLA, N.Y. – A Queens man has been indicted on multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he drove while heavily impaired and struck a longtime Nassau County crossing guard, who later died from his injuries.
Joshua Alvarado, 30, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday on charges including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and assault in connection with the February crash that killed 70-year-old John Miro.
Authorities said the fatal incident occurred the morning of February 26 along Sunrise Highway in Merrick, where Miro had been assisting pedestrians and clearing snow from the sidewalk.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said the victim’s death has left a lasting impact on the community. “A beloved crossing guard is dead because this defendant allegedly drove while highly impaired by a powerful mixture of sedatives and illegal street drugs,” said Donnelly. “He allegedly struck down John Miro on the very sidewalk where he had helped children safely cross for years, leaving a permanent void in the lives of everyone who knew him. We intend to seek justice for Miro’s family and the community that relied on his consistent, reassuring presence.”
Key Points
- Queens man indicted on manslaughter and DWI drug charges in fatal crash
- Victim, a 70-year-old crossing guard, died days after being struck on sidewalk
- Toxicology reports show driver allegedly impaired by multiple drugs
Crash unfolded after driver allegedly fell asleep
According to prosecutors, Alvarado was driving a commercial pickup truck eastbound on Sunrise Highway en route to a service call when he allegedly fell asleep at a red light at Merrick Avenue around 8 a.m.
Witnesses reported that honking from other drivers woke him after the light turned green. Authorities say he then drove diagonally through the intersection, veering onto Merrick Avenue before mounting the curb.
The vehicle struck Miro, who was standing on the sidewalk moments after helping children cross the street.
Toxicology reveals multiple drugs in system
Miro suffered severe injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head, a broken hip, and multiple fractured ribs. He was rushed into emergency surgery at Nassau University Medical Center but died on March 6.
Investigators determined that Alvarado was allegedly under the influence of multiple substances at the time of the crash. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of Xanax, Clonazepam, and an illegal synthetic drug commonly referred to as “street Xanax.”
Alvarado was arrested the same day by Nassau County police detectives. He was remanded following his arraignment and is scheduled to return to court on May 5. If convicted, he faces up to 7 to 15 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicole Vota of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
