NEW YORK, NY – A Lamborghini driver is facing manslaughter charges as a result of a devastating car crash that killed his passenger last month, according to authorities. Alejandro Rentas, a 22-year-old, was apprehended on Wednesday for his involvement in a deadly crash on Dec. 4 at 213th Street and 10th Avenue in Inwood that claimed the life of 21-year-old Tiana Rodriguez. Police have yet to define Rentas’s precise relationship with Rodriguez.
According to police reports, Rentas was behind the wheel of the elite sports SUV when he ran a red light a bit past 10 p.m. When the NYPD officers attempted to pull Rentas over, he sped up, leading to a rapid chase.
Rentas accelerated up 10th Avenue, evading the police who were in pursuit. In his attempt to escape, he crashed into a silver Hyundai Elantra while making a left turn onto West 213th Street. Losing control, the Lamborghini then hit a pillar of an overhead subway track.
Police officers were able to extract Rentas from the SUV before it burst into flames with Rodriguez trapped inside. Emergency medical services on the scene determined Rodriguez was dead. The ensuing blaze engulfed the vehicle, leaving the high-end Italian sports car wrecked.
Rentas, originally listed in critical condition, was transported to Harlem Hospital. The Bronx resident, who possesses no prior criminal record, also faces assault and reckless endangerment charges. The driver of the Hyundai, a 37-year-old man, was also taken to Harlem Hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Following an arraignment, Rentas was held on a $150,000 cash bail, a $350,000 insurance company bond, or a $500,000 partially secured surety bond. He is due back in court on April 8.