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6h ago

Queens Driver Arraigned on Manslaughter in Work-Zone Hit-and-Run That Killed NYSDOT Flagger

He remains jailed on $500,000 bond pending a Sept. 26 court date.

Isabel Alvarez (pictured) was standing in a safety zone between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes of the Nassau Expressway near the Van Wyck Expressway in South Ozone Park, flagging cars through, when suspect Daveanand Budhai, driving a 2018 Infiniti Q50S struck her and then drove off just before 7:30 a.m. Friday, police said. (Courtesy of Family)
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Overview

  • Prosecutors say 44-year-old Isabel Alvarez was struck and killed around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 19 while directing traffic in a clearly marked construction zone on the Nassau Expressway near exit 1N.
  • Daveanand Budhai, 25, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, leaving the scene of a fatality, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and related counts.
  • According to the criminal complaint, Budhai admitted driving at least 60 mph and said he was rushing to get food from Dunkin’ Donuts, with Alvarez thrown about 168 feet on impact despite wearing required safety gear.
  • Police say Budhai fled and was found about a mile away at South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street, where he was treated for a right-hand injury and taken into custody; his Infiniti had severe front-end damage with blood and glass inside.
  • Authorities say Budhai’s license had been suspended multiple times, he faces up to 22 years in prison if convicted of the top charge, and NYSDOT and the Queens DA emphasized driver responsibility in work zones as the investigation continues.