Richmond Hill, NY – Errick Persaud, a 25-year-old man from Richmond Hill, was sentenced to four to twelve years in prison for manslaughter following a fatal drunk driving incident. The collision resulted in the death of 36-year-old Michael Rodriguez, who was working in a New York City Department of Environmental Protection truck at the time of the crash.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing today, emphasizing the tragic consequences of Persaud’s reckless decision to drive under the influence. In her statement, Katz remarked, “This defendant made the selfish decision to drive drunk and that choice led to a completely avoidable tragedy. Errick Persaud endangered every person on the road in those early morning hours and crashed into a DEP truck, killing 36-year-old Michael Rodriguez.” She further noted that her office is committed to rigorously prosecuting dangerous drivers and expressed hope that the sentence brings some measure of comfort to the victim’s family.
The incident occurred during the early morning hours on July 10, 2023, when Persaud, operating his vehicle while intoxicated, collided with Rodriguez’s truck. Following the crash, Persaud was charged with manslaughter after his blood alcohol concentration was found to significantly exceed the legal limit. On May 8, 2024, he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter before Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise.
Source: Website
