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, stands accused of fatally striking a mother of four while allegedly driving under the influence. The 54-year-old victim was reportedly hit while riding a stand-up electric scooter home.
Last week, a grand jury in Queens charged Ryan Rampersaud with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Blanca Arias-Miranda, according to officials.
Rampersaud also faces two charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The defendant is accused of driving while intoxicated, colliding with a scooter ridden by Blanca Arias-Miranda, and tragically killing the 54-year-old mother,” stated Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “The victim was in a designated bike lane and had the right of way. Our streets must be safe for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders. This incident has irrevocably altered Ms. Arias-Miranda’s family’s lives, and we are committed to pursuing this case vigorously.”
The District Attorney’s office reports that around 1:40 a.m. on January 4, Rampersaud was driving a 2009 Honda Civic southbound on Crescent Street in Astoria. Upon reaching 30th Drive, he allegedly made a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic, directly hitting Arias-Miranda. She was in a designated bike lane with the right of way when she was struck, resulting in her being thrown from the scooter and hitting her head on the pavement.
A bystander witnessed the crash and called 911. Emergency responders transported Arias-Miranda to a nearby hospital, where she received treatment for “severe brain trauma.” Rampersaud remained at the scene until authorities 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.
