Spring Valley — Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh has announced the indictment of Axel I. Lopez-Santiago, 41, of Spring Valley, following a tragic vehicular incident that claimed the life of a 4-year-old girl and injured two others.
A Rockland County Grand Jury voted to indict Lopez-Santiago on 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, Felony Driving While Intoxicated, and Reckless Driving. The arraignment is scheduled for June 27, 2025, before Judge Djinsad Desir in Rockland County Court.
The charges stem from a devastating collision on June 14, 2025. According to investigators, Lopez-Santiago was allegedly speeding eastbound on Old Nyack Turnpike when his vehicle crossed the double yellow line, entered the opposite lane, and veered onto the pedestrian sidewalk near Kennedy Park. His vehicle reportedly struck at least four pedestrians before crashing into a tree.
Emergency responders found Lopez-Santiago as the sole occupant behind the wheel. A 4-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital, while a 31-year-old man and a 5-year-old boy sustained serious injuries. Authorities believe Lopez-Santiago was intoxicated from alcohol at the time of the crash.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Sharleen Bailon and Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic of the Rockland DA’s Vehicular Crimes Unit. The investigation was a coordinated effort by the Spring Valley Police Department, with assistance from Ramapo Police and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
As always, the District Attorney’s Office reminds the public that an indictment is not a finding of guilt and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.