1 dead after man fleeing police crashes in East Meadow; Driver charged with manslaughter

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (WABC) -- One person is dead after authorities say a driver who refused to stop for Nassau County police crashed into two other vehicles in East Meadow late Monday night.

According to detectives, 28-year-old Justin Daley, of Hicksville, was operating a 2003 Nissan Sentra east on Hempstead Turnpike at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and struck a 2013 Honda driven by a 58-year-old woman from East Meadow.

The Honda was redirected to the southeast corner of Hempstead Turnpike, while Daley's vehicle continued east on Hempstead Turnpike and eventually came to rest east of Conti Square Boulevard.

The woman was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead just after midnight.

"I'm blown away, I don't know what to say," the suspect's father, Michael Daley, said. "I'm fighting back the tears. It's rough."

Daley was arrested at scene and transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he is being treated for a leg injury. The victim reportedly worked at the hospital where Daley is currently listed in stable condition.

"He was brought up believing that if you get in any problems with the police, you don't run away," Michael Daley said. "You stop. You stop and be a man."

Police say plainclothes officers in an undercover car were monitoring a parking lot known for illegal activities when they saw the suspect lead a woman out of his car. They say he sped away without being approached or pursued, but he was being followed.

"I am so sorry to hear this news, and I can't believe it," Michael Daley said. "It's not the actions of my son."

Both vehicles were impounded for brake and safety inspections.

The investigation is ongoing, and the victim's name is not being released at this time.

Daley is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree reckless endangerment and reckless driving.

Hempstead Turnpike was shut down in both directions for hours while police investigated the incident, but all lanes were open lanes opened at about 7 a.m.