DA: Driver Indicted in Crash that Killed East Meadow Man

A Massapequa man was indicted Thursday on manslaughter charges stemming from a head-on crash on Sunrise Highway in May that killed his passenger, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Michael Bantel, 27, was arraigned on grand jury charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while ability impaired by drugs, DWAI by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs, third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, and reckless driving, the DA said.

If convicted of the top charge, Bantel faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, officials said.

Bantel was driving a Nissan Maxima on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa at 4:45 a.m. on May 5 when he crossed over the median into oncoming traffic, the DA said. The car collided with an oncoming Ford F-150 XLT near the intersection of Hicksville Road, officials said.

Authorities believe Bantel was high on multiple narcotic drugs at the time of the crash. Nassau Police initially reported he was drunk.

Anthony Sylvia, 28, of East Meadow, was in the passenger seat of Bantel’s car and died soon after the crash at Nassau University Medical Center, the DA said. The driver of the other car, a 37-year-old woman, was hospitalized with various lacerations and contusions, as well as head, knee, and back pain, cops said. Bantel was hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries, police said.

“This defendant’s recklessness cost an innocent young man his life, and endangered the lives and safety of many others,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said. “My office will continue to press for the strongest penalties for those who endanger every motorist and pedestrian by driving while impaired by drugs.”

Bantel is due back in court on Aug. 6.

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