Off-duty FDNY firefighter indicted in connection with deadly DWI crash
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) -- An off-duty firefighter has been indicted on charges of driving while intoxicated and killing another driver, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Michael Pena, 28, was accused of speeding while under the influence of drugs and alcohol and slamming into another driver in East Elmhurst, Queens on Feb. 26., the District Attorney says.
The head-on crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz who was on his way to work at LaGuardia Airport, authorities say.
“Drunk, drugged and reckless driving are dire threats to everyone on our shared roadways. As alleged, the defendant made the selfish decision to drink, use drugs and speed down Northern Boulevard at more than three times the posted limit when he slammed into another car, killing the driver," said Katz.
According to investigators, a breath test revealed that Pena had a blood alcohol content of .156 percent, which is above the legal limit of .08 percent. He also allegedly had cocaine and marijuana in his system, police say.
Pena was arraigned on a 14-count indictment that included charges of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by combined use of alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, failing to stop at a steady red signal, operating a vehicle at unreasonable speed and more.
His next court date is set for May 15 and if convicted Pena could face up to 15 years in prison.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.