Accused Drunk Driver Arraigned for Causing Collision, Killing Driver In Another Vehicle

Alondra L. Ramirez Santiago

Twenty-four-year-old Alondra L. Ramirez Santiago of Cheektowaga was arraigned before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens on one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Driving While Intoxicated in the First Degree and one count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanors under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).

It is alleged that on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle collision on the 6300 block of Transit Road between Cloverleaf Drive and Rehm Road. The defendant was allegedly driving southbound on Transit Road when she caused a crash with another vehicle. The defendant is accused of recklessly driving at a high rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol.

The driver and the passenger of the other vehicle were taken by ambulance to ECMC. The driver, a 51-yearold female from Lockport, died at the hospital. The defendant was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for injuries.

Ramirez-Santiago was scheduled to return on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. She was held without bail. If convicted of the charge, Ramirez-Santiago faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.