A Long Island Man Faces Charges for Road Rage Death

Indictment Unsealed for Manslaughter and Falsifying Business Records

A 26-year-old Long Island man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with manslaughter and other crimes in the road rage death of a 41-year-old man who was visiting the area for a business trip over the summer, prosecutors say.

The Accident

According to investigators, the victim, 41-year-old Pradeppa Desai, was in a Lyft SUV driving along the Long Island Expressway when the defendant allegedly came to a stop, forcing the SUV to stop and into a deadly collision.

Video Surveillance Footage Reveals Events Leading Up to the Crash

According to the charges, video surveillance footage showed the defendant’s gray Honda following closely behind a yellow Toyota SUV operating as a Lyft, with two passengers, including Desai, in the left lane of the LIE. The Honda driver tried to pass the Toyota, moving to the center lane and right lane before going back to the left lane and cutting in front of the SUV, prosecutors say. The Honda driver began to slow down, despite there being no vehicle directly in front of him. The Toyota driver moved to the center lane to avoid the slowing Honda, at which point prosecutors say the Honda driver moved to the center lane right in front of the SUV and came to a complete stop. There was nothing obstructing its path at the time.

Devastating Consequences

The Toyota had to stop behind the stopped Honda, at which point the driver of a Jeep Wrangler, operating at a normal highway speed, tried to go around the two vehicles. The Jeep hit the back of the SUV, which hit the Honda. Desai, who was in the back seat of the SUV with another passenger, was taken to a hospital with severe head and body trauma. He later died that day.

The Aftermath

Investigators say the Honda suffered damage in the crash and the defendant tried to hide it. A gray Honda Accord with a missing rear bumper was recovered two days later in his driveway.

Criminal Charges

The defendant is accused of driving with a conscious disregard for others and as a result, caused the death of a visitor to our city, a 41-year-old husband and father, said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Road rage has no place on highways or on our streets. We will hold responsible those who, out of selfishness or out of anger, put others on our roads in harm’s way.

Penalties for Conviction

The defendant faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. His girlfriend, who allegedly tried to claim she was driving and had been in a fender bender, faces up to four years.

Conclusion

The case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of road rage. Officials urge drivers to use caution and decorum on the roads, and to never engage in aggressive behavior such as tailgating, blocking, or cutting off other drivers.

FAQs

Q: What is the current status of the case?

A: The defendant has been arraigned on the indictment and is facing charges of manslaughter and falsifying business records.

Q: What are the potential penalties for conviction?

A: The defendant faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, while his girlfriend faces up to four years.

Q: What are the charges against the girlfriend?

A: She is charged with falsifying business records, allegedly trying to claim she was driving and had been in a fender bender.