A Buffalo man has been charged in connection with a July high-speed crash in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood that killed a passenger in the vehicle.
Alexander Kozak, 28, of Buffalo, was arraigned Monday before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on an indictment charging him with one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter (class “D” felony) and one count of criminally negligent homicide (Class “E” felony).
The incident occurred about 10 p.m. July 20 as Kozak was driving a modified 1992 Honda Civic at a high rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol and lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a tree on Arthur Street near Tonawanda Street in the City of Buffalo. Kozak was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center where he was treated for injuries.
His front seat passenger, 30-year-old Sommer Lynn Toth, died at the scene.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane asked Judge LoTempio to remand Kozak but Judge LoTempio set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Kozak faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
Keane commended the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.