Driver pleads guilty to charges related to 2016 crash that killed O’side man

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A Freeport man accused of driving under the influence of drugs pleaded guilty on Monday to charges related to a crash on the Southern State Parkway last year that killed an Oceanside man.

Last April 17, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Vito Errico, 22, was one of four occupants of a 2004 Acura who were returning from New York City, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

The driver, Jonathan Sobrane, 37, was travelling at speeds of at least 90 mph, weaving across three lanes of traffic and driving in exit and entrance ramps to pass other motorists, Singas added. As the defendant changed lanes just west of exit 17, he clipped the back of a 2006 Toyota Highlander travelling in the same direction. The collision caused Sobrane’s car to spin off the road, hit trees and uproot a light pole.

Errico was ejected from the car’s front passenger seat, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers suffered broken bones.

Toxicology tests had revealed that Sobrane, who was arrested at the scene by New York State Police, was impaired by drugs during the accident. He pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Helene Gugerty to aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree assault and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol, Singas announced Tuesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, and the Nassau County District Attorney is recommending 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

“Jonathan Sobrane’s impairment by alcohol and drugs — and reckless driving at speeds up to 90 miles per hour — made the crash that killed 22-year old Vito Errico inevitable,” Singas said. “I am hopeful that the defendant’s guilty plea to the highest charge of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide will give some small comfort to Mr. Errico’s family.”