Driver Arraigned In Grand Central Accident

The driver in an accident

Munshi Abdullah, 26, of Jamaica, was charged with second degree manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter, along with driving while intoxicated and driving without a license.

 “The defendant is accused of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol and striking and killing a hardworking family man," Brown said. "By his alleged actions, the defendant illustrated the lethal consequences resulting from driving while intoxicated.”

Abdullah, who was ordered held on $350,000 bail, could face as much as 15 years in prison if convicted.

Abdullah was allegedly driving his 2002 Audi A6 at an unsafe speed in the left lane of the Grand Central Parkway in Forest Hills, when 63-year-old Frank Avino was placing traffic cones, according to the criminal complaint. He was struck and thrown over the speeding car.

Avino was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians. 

Abdullah is next expected in court on July 25.