A Queens man was charged with vehicular assault after allegedly striking a Nassau County police crossing guard Thursday morning near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station, police said.
The crash occurred at about 8:03 a.m. Feb. 26 on Sunrise Highway near Merrick Avenue, where the crossing guard — a man whose name has not been released — had just completed a crossing and was returning to the sidewalk, according to police. He was wearing a reflective vest and hat at the time.
Police said the guard was struck by a white pickup truck driven by Joshua M. Alvarado, 30, of Rosedale, Queens. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the traffic light in the turning lane had turned green and Alvarado’s vehicle was fourth in line when the crash occurred.
The crossing guard was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. Officials said his injuries are “very, very serious,” though he is recovering.
Bruce Blakeman said at a news conference that the victim is a retired tugboat operator who has worked part time as a crossing guard since 2023.
“This is an individual that loved his job,” Blakeman said, adding that he spoke with the man’s wife at the hospital. “He was somebody that went out each and every day with the thought of protecting our young people … so he was a terrific guy from all accounts.”
Blakeman said authorities could not immediately confirm reports that the crossing guard had been shoveling snow before the crash, noting the investigation remains ongoing.
Alvarado remained at the scene and was arrested following an investigation. He is charged with vehicular assault, second-degree assault and driving while ability impaired by drugs, and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in First District Court in Hempstead. Officials said he could face additional charges.
