Man Arrested for Manslaughter After Crashing While Impaired

A Valley Stream man was arrested Monday for allegedly driving while impaired, which led to a deadly crash, according to the Nassau County Homicide Squad.

According to detectives, Frank Pergola, 51, was operating a 2011 Hyundai northbound on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead just after 10 a.m. at a high rate of speed. As the defendant was approaching the intersection of West Marshall Street, police said he passed a steady red traffic signal light and struck a 2011 Kia attempting to make a left turn onto West Marshall Street heading eastbound.

The impact caused the Kia to leave the roadway and strike a light pole on the sidewalk. One of the Kia's occupants, a 21-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Her 55-year-old father is listed in serious condition as well, while Pergola is stable. He was arrested at around 11:30 a.m. at in East Meadow, according to police.

An investigation revealed that Pergola had numerous suspensions on his license, police said.

Pergola was charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree vehicular assault, reckless driving, driving while ability impaired by drugs and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

He will be arraigned as soon as deemed practical, police said.

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