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Inset: Blanca Arias-Miranda (GoFundMe). Background: The NYC intersection where Arias-Miranda was killed while riding a scooter last month (Google Maps).
A New York man, aged 30, faces charges for allegedly causing the death of a mother of four while driving under the influence. The tragic incident reportedly involved the man crashing into a 54-year-old woman, who was on her way home on a stand-up electric scooter.
Last week, a Queens grand jury brought forth an indictment against Ryan Rampersaud, accusing him of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Blanca Arias-Miranda, according to official statements.
In addition to these serious charges, Rampersaud is confronted with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed in a statement, “The charges allege that the defendant, while intoxicated, collided with the scooter operated by Blanca Arias-Miranda, resulting in the death of this 54-year-old mother. It is a tragedy, as the victim was lawfully in a designated bike lane with the right of way. Ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders, is paramount. Ms. Arias-Miranda’s family has been profoundly affected by the defendant’s actions, and we are committed to pursuing justice vigorously.”
As detailed by the DA’s office, around 1:40 a.m. on January 4, Rampersaud was traveling south in a 2009 Honda Civic on Crescent Street in Astoria. At the intersection with 30th Drive, he allegedly made a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic, hitting Arias-Miranda. She was riding within a designated bike lane and had the right of way when she was ejected from her scooter, suffering a fatal head injury upon impact with the pavement.
A pedestrian who witnessed the crash called 911. Paramedics rushed Arias-Miranda to a nearby hospital where doctors treated her for “severe brain trauma.” Rampersaud remained at the scene until police arrived.
Officers said the defendant had clearly been drinking.
“Rampersaud allegedly showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness on his feet, and a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath,” the release said. “There was vomit on the front seat of his car.”
Arias-Miranda was pronounced dead two days after being admitted to the hospital.
Police say that after being transported to the station at about 4 a.m., Rampersaud refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test. After obtaining a court order, authorities administered a blood test showing he had a blood alcohol level of 0.12%. The legal limit to drive is 0.08%.
In a statement to local CW affiliate WPIX, Justin Blitz, the family’s civil attorney, said that in addition to any actions against Rampersaud, they may also sue the city over “flawed traffic light patterns” at the intersection where Arias-Miranda was killed.
Arias-Miranda’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the legal and funeral costs associated with her death.
“Our mother was more than just a victim of a tragic accident. She was the heart of our family – a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother, and a proud grandmother whose greatest joy was caring for and protecting those she loved. She held our family together with strength, warmth, and unwavering support,” the page said. “While nothing can bring Blanca back, we are committed to honoring her memory, protecting her legacy, and supporting one another as we navigate the painful road ahead.”
Rampersaud made his first court appearance before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Hartofilis, who ordered him to make his next appearance on March 26. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.