PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release on August 17, 2006

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
William.Smith@rcda.nyc.gov

D.A. Donovan: Homicide Indictment Filed for Fatal May ’06 Crash on Ridge Avenue
Michael Pisano,20, Indicted on Charge of Criminally Negligent Homicide for May 12th Crash Which Resulted in Death of 35 year-old West Brighton resident

     STATEN ISLAND, NY - Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced the indictment of Michael Pisano (DOB: 5/17/1986) of the Bulls Head section of the borough, on charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E felony, which is punishable by up to 4 years in prison. The charges relate to a May 12, 2006 crash which claimed the life of 35 year-old Andres Reza of West Brighton.

     District Attorney Donovan stated, “Following a thorough investigation by my office and the NYPD’s Accident Investigation Squad into the circumstances of this incident, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Michael Pisano with one felony count of Criminally Negligent Homicide. The indictment alleges that the defendant caused the death of Andres Reza, by operating his Hyundai Santa Fe far above the posted speed limit uphill in a limited sight area, causing his vehicle to go airborne, across a double yellow line in-flight, and colliding head on with Mr. Reza’s vehicle.”

     The incident occurred at approximately 4:36 pm, while the defendant was operating a 2003 Hyundai SantaFe southbound on Ridge Avenue, between Vista and Sparkhill avenues, in excess of 60 miles per hour in an area with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour and a posted limited sight portion of the roadway. The defendant’s vehicle went airborne at the crest of Ridge Avenue and crossed the double yellow lines separating the traffic on the roadway, into the oncoming lane where it struck a 1999 Jeep Cherokee operated by Mr. Reza. As a result of the impact, the victim suffered severe head trauma and facial injuries which resulted in his death on May 19, 2006.

     Michael Pisano was arraigned Thursday afternoon in State Supreme Court, St. George before Judge Stephen J. Rooney. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on October 12, 2006. The case is being prosecuted by ADA Mark Palladino, Special Case Unit Head, under the supervision of ADA Mario Mattei, Chief of the Investigations Bureau. Michael Pisano is represented by Kevin McKernan, Esq.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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