A Yaphank woman has been indicted on charges of manslaughter for her role in a crash in Middle Island that killed one person and injured another.
On November 22, 2024, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Melissa Koprowski was allegedly operating a 2014 Dodge Durango eastbound on Middle Country Road. As Koprowski entered the intersection at Wading River Hollow Road, she attempted to make a left-hand turn in front of oncoming traffic, without having the right of way.
At that time, a blue 2022 Nissan Rogue was traveling westbound on Middle Country Road proceeding through the intersection with a green light. The driver’s two-year-old child and 75- year-old mother, Esther Guy, were seated in the backseat of the Nissan Rogue. Koprowski’s SUV crashed head-on into the Nissan Rogue within the west bound lane of the intersection sending the Rogue off the road and into the wooded shoulder.
Immediately following the crash, Suffolk County police and other emergency responders rendered aid to those involved in the collision. All three occupants of the Nissan Rogue were transported via ambulance to Long Island Community Hospital where the driver of the Nissan Rogue was treated for her injuries. Esther Guy was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival to the hospital. The two-year-old child was uninjured.
Koprowski was also transported to Long Island Community Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. While at the hospital, officers alleged that she displayed signs of intoxication and placed her under arrest.
On January 6, 2025, Koprowski was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges:
- one count of second-degree manslaughter, a Class C felony
- one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, a Class D felony
- one count of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony
- one count of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor
- two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, both unclassified misdemeanors
- one count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a Class A misdemeanor
- one count of Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combination of Alcohol and a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor
- one count of reckless driving, an unclassified misdemeanor
Horowitz ordered Koprowski held on $200,000 cash, $400,000 bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond, and suspended Koprowski’s license during the pendency of the case.
Koprowski is due back in court on February 5, 2025.
“Driving while impaired is lethal activity and will be treated as such,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will seek justice for the family of Esther Guy and will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who chooses to threaten the safety of our roadways.”