Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 32-year-old Zachary P. Poisson of Depew was arraigned this morning before West Seneca Town Court Justice Jeffrey M. Harrington on one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony), one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Reckless Driving, one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (unclassified misdemeanors under Vehicle and Traffic Law). The defendant was also charged with two Vehicle and Traffic Law violations for speed and unsafely moving from the lane.
It is alleged that on Monday, July 24, 2023, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the defendant, while under the influence of cocaine, was driving eastbound on Clinton Street in the Town of West Seneca when he crossed the center line, causing a head-on collision with a westbound vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, 49-year-old David Sion of Elma, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Poisson is scheduled to return on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. Bail was set at $15,000 cash, bond or partially secured surety bond.
If convicted of the highest charge, Poisson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the West Seneca Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
