MTA bus driver faces aggravated DWI charge under Leandra’s Law in fatal Hempstead crash

A driver is facing driving while intoxicated charges after a fatal crash occurred in Hempstead.

News 12 Staff

Oct 30, 2022, 4:10 PM

Updated 707 days ago

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A driver is facing driving while intoxicated charges after a fatal crash occurred in Hempstead.
Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, police say the driver of a 2018 Dodge Charger was speeding eastbound on Jerusalem Avenue near Ingraham Boulevard. According to detectives, he lost control of the wheel and hit a curb before crashing into a tree.
Police say a backseat passenger under the age of 16 was ejected during the crash. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Others in the car were also injured.
According to court documents, Donnell Hill, a 50-year-old MTA bus driver, had a blood alcohol level almost double the legal limit at the time of the accident.
Credit: Nassau PD
Hill is being charged with manslaughter, DWI and aggravated DWI under Leandra's Law.
According to court documents, his 13-year-old son Joshua was in the car. The teen is now in the hospital with spinal injuries.
Police have not yet released the name of the passenger who was killed.
Hill pleaded not guilty in court Sunday, and his bail was set at $25,000. He will return to court Tuesday.