Crossing Guard Critically Injured in Long Island Crash

Driver claims prescription drugs, not recreational drugs, caused him to pass out and hit the crossing guard

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 30-year-old driver from Rosedale, New York has been charged with assault and driving while ability impaired after allegedly striking and critically injuring a 70-year-old Nassau County Police crossing guard on Long Island. The driver, Joshua Alvardo, claims the crash was an accident caused by him passing out behind the wheel due to prescription medication, not recreational drugs.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that crossing guards and other pedestrians face on roadways, especially when drivers are impaired. It also raises questions about the role of prescription medication in traffic accidents and whether more regulation or oversight is needed to ensure drivers taking such medications can safely operate vehicles.

The details

According to prosecutors, around 8 a.m. on Thursday, Alvardo was driving to work when he passed out behind the wheel. When other drivers honked at him, Alvardo allegedly woke up and lurched his vehicle forward, striking 70-year-old crossing guard John Miro, who was on the sidewalk at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue. Miro suffered broken ribs, a skull fracture, and brain injuries, and remains in critical condition in the ICU.

  • The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Alvardo appeared in court on Friday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Joshua Alvardo

A 30-year-old driver from Rosedale, New York who has been charged with assault and driving while ability impaired after allegedly striking and critically injuring a crossing guard.

John Miro

A 70-year-old Nassau County Police crossing guard who was critically injured after being struck by Alvardo's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“He has nightly nightmares, can't sleep, and he is prescribed legally various drugs. Did those make him drowsy in the morning at 8 a.m. going to work? Possibly.”

— George Vomvolakis, Defense Attorney (cbsnews.com)

“He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. He got ran over shoveling snow after he crossed some kids. It's just not right, and we're glad, we hope this guy burns.”

— Miro's son-in-law (cbsnews.com)

“He was always waving at people. He was always very happy just to cross everyone, and he was just a people person.”

— Kris Kalender, Civil Service Employees Association President (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Blood tests to identify any drugs in Alvardo's system are incomplete. The judge will decide on Alvardo's bail, which was set at $500,000 or $1.2 million bond.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of driver safety and the need for greater awareness and regulation around the use of prescription medications that can impair driving ability. It also highlights the vital role that crossing guards play in keeping pedestrians safe, and the devastating impact when they are struck by vehicles.