Indictment For Fatal Drunken Crash In Valley Stream: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — A man was indicted on Tuesday in connection to a drunken, high-speed crash that killed a 22-year-old man in Valley Stream, prosecutors said.

Aaron Cooper, 26, of Lindenhurst, was arraigned on charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree vehicular manslaughter. Cooper was also indicted on charges of second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and second-degree criminal impersonation.

"The defendant – a former NYPD officer – was allegedly drunk and showing off his turbocharged sports car, recklessly racing up and down Rosedale Road at speeds topping 100 miles per hour," Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. "The joyride turned deadly when the driver lost control of the vehicle and barreled through a utility pole and tree, killing his young passenger Pablo Rivera."

Richard Hochhauser, Cooper's attorney, said in a statement: "Our hearts go out to those affected by this tragic incident. Aaron is devastated by the loss of life, and he and his family extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rivera. We recognize the seriousness of the charges and are fully cooperating with authorities as they continue to conduct their investigation. Our primary focus at this time is to support those impacted and work towards a just resolution."

Donnelly said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on February 10, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Cooper, a member of the Marine Corps Reserve and a former member of the NYPD, was driving a 2023 Toyota Supra back and forth on Rosedale Road in Valley Stream with 22-year-old Pablo Rivera in the front passenger seat.

Cooper allegedly crossed the double yellow line and drove westbound in the eastbound lanes when he struck a utility pole and a tree before coming to rest on the hood of a car in the front yard of a home on Rosedale Road.

According to the crash data recorder, just two seconds before the crash the defendant was allegedly driving at approximately 109 mph, the D.A.'s office said.

Rivera was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Cooper pleaded not guilty, and bail was continued at $200,000 cash, $400,000 bond, and $1 million partially secured bond. His license remains suspended.

If convicted of the top count, Cooper faces a potential maximum of five to 15 years in prison. He is due back in court on May 30.

"This horrific crash and senseless death were completely preventable. It is disheartening that after all these years of education about drunk and drugged driving this type of crash is still an all too regular occurrence," Donnelly said.