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Woman Fights for Life After Being Hit by Alleged Drunk Driver
20 Jun
Summary
- A 78-year-old woman is in critical condition with severe injuries.
- The driver, a 24-year-old EMT, had a blood alcohol content of .21%.
- The incident occurred in a crosswalk during daylight hours on a Thursday.
A devastating incident occurred on Long Island when a 78-year-old woman was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle driven by an alleged drunk driver. The collision happened on Long Beach Road at Weidner Avenue in Oceanside just before 5 p.m. on a Thursday. The victim was walking in a crosswalk when she was hit by the van.
Prosecutors revealed that the woman suffered a severe brain injury and a lacerated liver and is currently intubated. They stated her survival is unlikely. The driver, 24-year-old Niall Duignan, a certified EMT, reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .21%. He pleaded not guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated and vehicular assault.
Duignan's attorney indicated he stayed at the scene and performed CPR on the victim. The Nassau district attorney's office has vowed to prosecute the case aggressively, with the possibility of higher felony charges. Duignan was released from custody with an ankle monitor and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 2.
