Drunk driver accused of killing passenger in high speed crash

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An alleged drunk driver has been accused of killing his passenger in a high speed crash in Buffalo's Riverside neighborhood in July, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said Monday.

Alexander Kozak, 28, is accused of driving a modified 1992 Honda Civic at a high rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a tree on Arthur Street near Tonawanda Street in Buffalo around 10 p.m. on July 20.

The passenger, 30-year-old Sommer Lynn Toth, died at the scene. Kozak was taken to ECMC to be treated for injuries.

Kozak is charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. If convicted of the highest charge, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison. Prosecutors asked Judge Andrew LoTiempo to remand Kozak, but bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.

A return court date has not yet been scheduled.