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On Thursday, Nov. 30, Hicksville resident Oscar Argueta, age 37, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated vehicular manslaughter for a fatal DWI crash that killed 48-year-old David Popoola, the Nassau County District Attorney announced.
Earlier Report - Fatal DWI Crash: Hicksville Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide
Argueta was driving drunk, heading northwest on Greenwich Street in Hempstead on June 26, 2022.
At approximately 1:40 a.m., while going 93 miles an hour in his Dodge Durango, Argueta t-boned a Mercedez-Bens G300 that was crossing the Curtis Avenue intersection, the DA’s Office said.
The Mercedez-Bens, carrying Popoola and his wife, struck a curb, causing the car to flip into a utility pole and leaving them both trapped in the vehicle.
Popoola was pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where she had to undergo emergency surgery on her wrist.
Argueta remained at the scene, where he was arrested.
“There’s no excuse for drunk driving when there are cab services and ride-sharing apps available with one swipe on a cellphone,” DA Anne T. Donnelly said.
Argueta was charged with:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide;
- Second-degree manslaughter;
- Second-degree assault; and
- Driving while intoxicated.
He is due back in court for sentencing on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
Though the District Attorney recommended a sentence of seven to 21 years in prison, Argueta is expected to be sentenced to five to 12 years.
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