Alleged drunk driver indicted in crash that killed Roslyn teens

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Alleged drunk driver indicted in crash that killed Roslyn teens
Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh. (Photo courtesy of the Nassau County Police Department)

A Nassau County grand jury indicted a driver suspected of being drunk who was already charged with the deaths of two Roslyn teens in a  wrong-way car crash in Jericho May 3, according to court records.

Amandeep Sing, 34, was accused by the Nassau District Attorney’s Office of driving on the wrong side of the road at 95 mph with a blood alcohol count of 0.15 and cocaine in his system, based on the records cited by Newsday. He faces a series of charges in the vehicular crash that resulted and killed young tennis star Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz. Two others were injured.

Roslyn High School students Zach Sheena and Ethan Solop, riding in the car with the two middle-schoolers, were also hospitalized with internal injuries but were in stable condition following the accident.

Singh was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, leaving the scene of an auto accident with a fatality, driving while intoxicated and two counts of second-degree assault.

His 15-count indictment includes additional charges of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, reckless driving and additional manslaughter and assault charges, according to court records.

The indictment occurred after Singh appeared at a Brooklyn appeals court June 2 where his attorney, James Kousouros, pressed for his client to be released on a bond. He was denied.

Singh is set to appear in court again June 26 to be arraigned.

Police reported that the four boys were in a 2019 Alpha Romero sedan driving on North Broadway on May 3. At 10:21 p.m. they were struck by Singh’s 2019 Dodge Ram driving south in the northbound lanes.

As a result of the collision, the Alpha Romero then hit a 2023 Volvo occupied by a driver, 49, and a passenger, 16. Both were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police.

Nassau County Assistant DA Michel Bushwack, chief of the Nassau District Attorney Office’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau, said a black box inside of Singh’s truck registered the vehicle traveling at 95 mph five seconds before the crash.

Bushwack also told the Appellate Division’s Second Judicial Department that Singh attempted to flee the scene of the crash.

Singh was held without bail by District Judge Anthony Paradiso at the Nassau County Courthouse May 8.

Singh’s criminal history includes driving while intoxicated and a youthful offender conviction for gang assault.

Drew Hassenbein was at one point the No. 1-ranked tennis player in the nation for the Boys 12 and Under division. He was already being scouted by nationally acclaimed college tennis programs despite only being in eighth grade, according to reports.

He is remembered as an energetic teenager with a strong will and an ability to persevere. Hassenbein was described at his funeral as a devoted friend and family member who loved everyone and made special, individual bonds with each of them.

His family has established a charity foundation in his name to support underprivileged kids to explore tennis just like he did.

“He was a special boy and we want to try to continue his legacy for him and parent his legacy through something good,” Mitch Hassenbein, his father, said. “Finding young kids, introducing them to tennis and supporting young, aspiring juniors with the sport would be a great way to keep his memory alive.”

Ethan Falkowitz was remembered at his funeral as a uniquely caring young boy who was confident and determined to achieve anything he set his mind to. He had a thirst for knowledge and was musically and athletically gifted.

Rabbi Michael White referred to Ethan Falkowitz’s death as “senseless” and an “injustice” during his funeral service.

“We want answers,” White said. “We want justice. And it can be frustrating because the truth here is that human beings are mortal and fragile, that people make evil choices like drinking and driving and we are left to suffer the unbearable consequences.”

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