New City teenager pleads guilty in car crash that killed Clarkstown North student
A New City teenager has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with a three-car crash that killed a 16-year-old boy and seriously injured a 17-year-old girl earlier this year.
Alan Mendoza, 18, pleaded guilty to that felony charge before Rockland County Court Judge Kevin F. Russo on Tuesday. Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh said Mendoza is expected to be sentenced to 1⅓ to 4 years in state prison on May 26, 2022.
Mendoza was accused of driving a Mitsubishi Lancer and striking two other vehicles after crossing over a double yellow line near 256 Congers Road shortly before 11 p.m. on May 6, 2021. He then crashed his car into a tree. Walsh said Mendoza was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
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Vladyslav Hvalyk, 16, was a passenger in Mendoza's car and died as a result of the crash. Another passenger, 17, was seriously injured.
All three teenagers were students at Clarkstown North High School.
Mendoza's lawyer, Kevin M. Dunlap, offered the following statement on his client's behalf:
"Alan and his family realize that no disposition of this matter can bring back the life of his very dear friend, Vlad. It is very important to Alan that he take responsibility for his actions and that’s why he admitted his guilt in open court. It is his hope that the punishment he will receive will somehow ease Vlad’s family’s grief, and will also serve as a cautionary tale to other young people about the unimaginable harm of drinking and driving."
The crash was investigated by the Clarkstown police and the case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Mike Dugandzic and Supervising Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Schera.
“This plea of guilt by Mr. Mendoza today will hopefully allow the family of the young male victim a sense of closure," Walsh said in a statement. "Our entire community mourns the senseless loss of a Rockland teenager’s life. My office and the Clarkstown Police Department, worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served."
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Clarkstown teen pleads guilty in fatal New City car crash
