Seaford Man Charged In Crash That Left Victim Paralyzed: Prosecutors

SEAFORD, NY — A Seaford man was indicted Wednesday on charges including vehicle assault in an October crash in North Amityville, prosecutors said.

Tristan McLaughlin, 27, was speeding while impaired by drugs when he slammed into the back of a stopped vehicle, said Raymond Tierney, the Suffolk County district attorney.

The impact left the driver of the stopped vehicle with traumatic spinal cord separation and paralysis.

"When you make the decision to get behind the wheel, you make the commitment to respect the lives and safety of others on the road," Tierney said in a statement. "This defendant's alleged reckless behavior has caused irreversible damage to another person, and he will be prosecuted vigorously."

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 29. McLaughlin was driving a 2020 Nissan Frontier northbound on Route 110 and rear-ended the vehicle at the corner of Lindy Avenue, prosecutors said.

The victim underwent surgery for a spinal cord injury and remains hospitalized with his arms and legs paralyzed.

Along with a count of second-degree vehicular assault, McLaughlin also faces second-degree assault. He was charged with the following misdemeanors: second-degree reckless endangerment, driving while ability impaired and reckless driving.

The judge ordered McLaughlin released on his own recognizance and suspended his license. He is due back in court on Feb. 7.