(WNY News Now) – Buffalo, NY – A 28-year-old Buffalo man has been indicted for his alleged role in a fatal high-speed crash that claimed the life of his passenger in the city’s Riverside neighborhood.
Alexander Kozak was arraigned today in Erie County Court before Acting Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on charges of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D felony) and Criminally Negligent Homicide (Class E felony).
Authorities allege that on July 20, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Kozak was driving a modified 1992 Honda Civic at an excessively high speed while under the influence of alcohol. The car veered out of control and struck a tree on Arthur Street near Tonawanda Street.
Kozak sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to ECMC for treatment. Tragically, his front-seat passenger, 30-year-old Sommer Lynn Toth, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors requested that Kozak be remanded, but Judge LoTempio set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. No return court date has been announced.
If convicted of the most serious charge, Kozak could face up to seven years in prison.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane acknowledged the investigative work of the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As with all defendants, Kozak is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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