Queens Man Indicted in Fatal Long Island Drugged Driving Incident

A Queens resident, 30-year-old Joshua Alvarado, has been formally indicted following a fatal incident involving impaired driving on Long Island. The crash resulted in the death of 70-year-old John Miro, a Nassau County police crossing guard.

The incident occurred on February 26 along Sunrise Highway in Merrick. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced the grand jury's decision on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 4:15 PM.

Grave Charges Filed Against Defendant

District Attorney Donnelly confirmed that Alvarado faces serious accusations. These include charges of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault, and several counts related to driving while impaired by drugs.

Donnelly stated, "A beloved crossing guard is dead because this defendant allegedly drove while highly impaired by a powerful mixture of sedatives and illegal street drugs." She added that Miro was struck down "on the very sidewalk where he had helped children safely cross for years."

Details of the Tragic Collision

Prosecutors detailed that the collision took place at approximately 8 a.m. Alvarado was reportedly driving a commercial pickup truck en route to a service call when the event unfolded.

According to the report, Alvarado was reportedly asleep at the wheel. Honking from other motorists reportedly woke him when the traffic light turned green. He then drove diagonally across the intersection, mounted the curb, and struck Mr. Miro.

Victim and Toxicology Findings

John Miro sustained severe injuries in the collision, including multiple broken bones and significant head trauma. He was rushed for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries.

A toxicology examination revealed the presence of Xanax and clonazepam in Alvarado's system, alongside an illicit synthetic substance referred to as "street Xanax." Alvarado was taken into custody on the same day as the crash.

Mr. Miro had only recently begun his role as a crossing guard in 2023. This followed a previous career working as a tugboat operator.