Drunk Driver In Deadly East Farmingdale Crash Sentenced To Prison

A person who confessed to driving under the influence was found to have almost triple the legal limit of alcohol in their system when they caused a crash on a Long Island highway, resulting in the death of one passenger and injury of three others. Consequently, they will be imprisoned.

On April 27, Thursday, Suffolk County Court imposed a sentence of four to 12 years on Steven Sharma, a 24-year-old from New Hyde Park.

This was after he pleaded guilty to two charges of causing the death of Brandon Nazirbage, aged 22 and from Floral Park, through aggravated vehicular homicide in September 2021.n Nazirbage from Floral Park in September 2021.

As per the Suffolk County Police, a BMW hit a concrete median while leaving westbound Route 109 to southbound Route 110, prompting emergency crews to be notified at approximately 3:40 a.m. on September 19, 2021 in East Farmingdale.

Upon investigation, it was found that Sharma was unable to successfully navigate a turn and proceeded to disregard a stop sign whilst travelling at a speed of approximately 80 miles per hour, resulting in a collision with the median at full force. It should be noted that the maximum speed allowed on the posted signage was 20 miles per hour.

Nazirbage, who occupied the seat next to the driver, was declared deceased at the location.

Police reported that Sharma was transported to a hospital by air for medical attention, whereas three other travelers were also injured, but not critically, with one requiring surgery for fractures in their legs.

Sharma later confessed that the group was on their way back home after a drinking spree when the accident occurred.

According to prosecutors, a blood test was conducted on him while receiving medical care at the hospital, which showed that his blood alcohol level was at .22 percent, almost three times higher than the legal limit for driving.

THC, the active ingredient of marijuana, was also found in the blood sample.

In a statement, Raymond Tierney, the Suffolk County DA, claimed that despite the defendant's friends trusting him to safely bring them home, he did the opposite.

The defendant's choices had a fatal impact on several lives, resulting in a family being bereft of a dear son, brother, and relative. As he has acted unlawfully, he must now accept the repercussions.

Sharma admitted to the stated charges on October 26, 2022.

• Two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide (felony)
• One count of second-degree manslaughter (felony)
• One count of second-degree assault (felony)
• Four counts of third-degree assault (misdemeanor)
• One count of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs (misdemeanor)
• Aggravated driving while intoxicated (misdemeanor)

The judge not only gave Sharma a prison sentence but also took away his driver's license.

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