MINEOLA, NY – A Bellmore resident was sentenced today to four to 12 years in prison for his role in a vehicular assault in July 2021 that caused severe, life-altering injuries to a Long Beach man. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the sentencing, which occurred after the defendant, Robert O’Brien, 29, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Aggravated Vehicular Assault.

O’Brien admitted to the crimes on December 11, 2023, before Judge Teresa Corrigan. The charges included Driving While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Serious Physical Injury. Despite the Nassau County District Attorney’s recommendation for a six to 15-year sentence, the judge decided on a four to 12-year term.

The incident, which took place around 7:58 PM on July 16, 2021, at the intersection of E Park Avenue and Neptune Boulevard in Long Beach, involved O’Brien driving a 2011 Chrysler 300 while under the influence. After a day spent drinking at various bars, O’Brien’s reckless driving led to a series of collisions, including striking a vehicle at a red light and eventually hitting a pedestrian.

The 70-year-old victim, a retiree from Long Beach, was severely injured as he was picking up dinner. The consequences of the crash left him comatose for over two months, requiring multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his right leg.

O’Brien surrendered to the Long Beach Police Department on July 18, 2021. DA Donnelly highlighted the tragedy of the incident, noting the victim’s missed opportunity to meet his first grandchild and the permanent impact on his life. She also issued a warning about the dangers of driving during the busy summer months on Long Island.

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