SPRING VALLEY, NY — Axel I. Lopez-Santiago, 41, of Spring Valley, was arraigned today before Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo on a Grand Jury indictment stemming from a tragic vehicular incident that resulted in the death of a 4-year-old girl and serious injuries to two others.
Lopez-Santiago faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Driving While Intoxicated as a Felony, and Reckless Driving. The judge ordered the defendant remanded to the Rockland County Jail without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
According to the investigation, the incident occurred on June 14, 2025. Authorities allege that Lopez-Santiago was operating his vehicle recklessly and at a high rate of speed while traveling eastbound on Old Nyack Turnpike in Spring Valley. The vehicle reportedly crossed a double yellow line into oncoming traffic, left the roadway, and drove onto a pedestrian sidewalk near the entrance to Kennedy Park. It then struck at least four pedestrians before crashing into a tree.
Law enforcement officers arriving at the scene found Lopez-Santiago alone behind the wheel. All victims were transported to area hospitals. The 4-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries, while a 31-year-old man and a 5-year-old boy sustained serious physical harm.
Investigators determined that Lopez-Santiago was intoxicated at the time of the collision. The investigation was led by the Spring Valley Police Department with assistance from the Ramapo Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Sharleen Bailon and Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic from the District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Unit.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.