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Bail Set at $500,000 for Driver Accused of Striking Merrick Crossing Guard

Blood toxicology remains pending after police reported failed sobriety tests.

Overview

  • At a Friday arraignment, a Nassau County judge set bail at $500,000 cash or a $1.2 million bond for Joshua Alvarado, 30, of Rosedale, Queens.
  • The victim, identified as 70-year-old crossing guard John Miro, remains in critical condition in the ICU after emergency surgery at Nassau University Medical Center.
  • Police say the crash occurred around 8 a.m. at Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue when the pickup allegedly jumped the curb after the driver appeared to fall asleep at a light.
  • Prosecutors told the court Alvarado repeatedly passed out while speaking to officers and charged him with driving while ability impaired by drugs, vehicular assault, and second-degree assault.
  • Defense counsel said Alvarado had taken prescribed medications the night before and argued the collision was an accident possibly involving ice, as investigators await blood test results.