A Floral Park teen has been charged with manslaughter for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs at over 100 miles per hour and crashing into a vehicle leaving Westbury Manor onto Jericho Turnpike in December 2021, killing the driver.
Arhum Tanveer, 19, was indicted Friday, Sept. 1, and arraigned on charges of manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, reckless endangerment in the second degree and reckless driving.
Tanveer pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to officials.
“The defendant was allegedly exceeding 100 mph in his vehicle just before impact, and never made an effort to brake before the deadly collision,” said District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “As we prosecute this tragic case, our thoughts are with Maricela Donaire’s family.”
Tanveer’s bail was set at $200,000 on bond, $100,000 cash and $1,000,000 partially secured bond and his license was also suspended.
On December 12, 2021, at 10:39 p.m., Tanveer allegedly drove a 2016 BMW 340i xDrive eastbound on Jericho in Old Westbury at high speeds while impaired on drugs, according to the charges, before crashing into a 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
The driver of the Impala, 30-year-old Maricela Donaire, was killed in the collision and pronounced dead at the scene.
Tanveer is due back in court on Sept. 15. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
