(WNY News Now) – A 35-year-old Darien resident was arraigned on Saturday, facing charges of Vehicular Manslaughter, Tampering with Evidence, and more in connection with a fatal collision in Lancaster.
Nicholas M. Rich, a 35-year-old resident of Darien, was arraigned on Saturday before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler, facing serious charges including Vehicular Manslaughter, Tampering with Evidence, Driving While Intoxicated, and Reckless Driving. The Erie County District Attorney, John J. Flynn, made the announcement, shedding light on the case that unfolded on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Allegedly, on the fateful night, around 8:40 p.m., Rich was operating a vehicle at a high speed under the influence of alcohol. This reckless driving resulted in a collision with another vehicle at the intersection of Broadway and Schwartz Road in the Town of Lancaster. Furthermore, it is claimed that after the collision, Rich discarded a thermos containing suspected alcohol from his vehicle.
Tragically, the collision caused serious physical injuries to the driver and one passenger of the other vehicle. Most heart-wrenching, however, is the fatality of a 10-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Campus. Nicholas M. Rich himself also sustained injuries and was transported to ECMC.
Rich is scheduled to appear for a felony hearing on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., and he has been held without bail. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be forthcoming.
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