(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Andy Bonilla Chicas, 21, of Yaphank, was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree, Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, and several related charges, for his involvement in an April crash that seriously injured his passenger. He had struck a tree along the eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road while he was allegedly driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs.
“Drivers who are caught operating on our roads under the influence of alcohol and drugs will be held accountable for their reckless actions,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Suffolk’s streets must be kept safe.”
According to the investigation, on April 27, 2025, at approximately 3:25 a.m., Bonilla Chicas was allegedly operating a 2016 BMW 340i eastbound on the Sunrise Highway Service Road at a high rate of speed when his vehicle went off of the road and was thrusted airborne before hitting a tree and landing into an embankment. The impact on the tree caused the front passenger of the BMW to be thrust to the back of the vehicle. The passenger was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery for her injuries.
Bonilla Chicas was determined to be intoxicated and placed under arrest. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
On July 22, 2025, Bonilla Chicas was arraigned on the indictment before Acting County Court Judge James McDonaugh, for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
- One count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
- Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Unclassified misdemeanors;
- One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Combined Influence of Alcohol and a Drug or Drugs, Unclassified misdemeanors;
- One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
- One count of Speeding.
Judge McDonaugh ordered Bonilla Chicas placed on supervised release with GPS conditions, alcohol and narcotics conditions and suspended his license during the pendency of the case. In addition, Bonilla Chicas was ordered to surrender his passport. Bonilla Chicas is due back in court on August 21, 2025, and faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Edward Palermo, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Emma Richards of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Steven Capparelli of the Suffolk County Police Department Fifth Detective Squad.