Story by Ethan
On July 15th, 2026, the arrest of Elvin Suarez, age 61, was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr.. Elvin Suarez was charged with two counts of second-degree Manslaughter as a class C felony, two counts of second-degree Assault as a class D felony, third-degree Assault as a class A misdemeanor, five counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide as a class B felony, Aggravated Vehicular Assault as a class C felony, and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated as a misdemeanor. The arrest and charges against Elvin Suarez were a result of an investigation handled by Detective Gregory Gianacopulos and Sergeant Randall McFarland of the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad, DA Investigator Brian Granshaw, and first responders of the NYPD’s 24th Precinct.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on May 15th, 2026, Elvin Suarez was allegedly intoxicated while driving northbound at a high rate of speed on Amsterdam Avenue. As the defendant was between West 107th and West 108th streets the defendant allegedly struck an empty parked vehicle on the side of the road. Instead of stopping and reporting the crash, Elvin Suarez continued to drive through the intersection at 109th Street while crossing over a median line separating the bike lane from the main road. This is when the defendant allegedly struck four pedestrians including 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint Hilarie, and another stationary vehicle that was occupied. The parked car was pushed into multiple other nearby vehicles, causing a pile up, while three of the pedestrians were sent several feet away from the impact. After Elvin Suarez’ vehicle eventually came to a full stop he exited from the driver’s side and laid on the ground beside it. Officers responding to the scene found Jason Negron unresponsive and pinned under Elvin Suarez’ vehicle and Michael Saint Hilarie receiving CPR from a bystander. The other three victims, ages 36, 44, and 51, all received immediate treatment from first responders. All five victims were transported to the hospital for treatment, however both Jason Negron and Elvin Suarez were pronounced dead. The 44-year-old suffered from an open fracture to his right leg, the 36-year-old sustained back fractures, and the 51-year-old was treated for neck, head, and shoulder pains.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Elvin Suarez are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
