A New York convenience store employee who allegedly ended his overnight shift by crashing his car into three construction workers, killing one and severely injuring two others, now faces significantly upgraded criminal charges. Prosecutors in Suffolk County allege that 26-year-old Thomas Lobianco was impaired on drugs when he drove his Toyota Camry "at a high rate of speed" into the work zone in Nesconset, New York, striking the victims "without braking."
Background
The incident occurred on the morning of August 10, when 38-year-old Joel Sicon-Porix, a father of three, and two of his colleagues were performing construction work on a suburban road. All three men were wearing reflective vests and were situated in an area marked by construction signs. According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, the workers "never stood a chance" against the approaching vehicle.
Investigative records indicate that Lobianco’s behavior was erratic long before the collision. Surveillance video from the 7-Eleven where Lobianco worked captured him "swaying, stumbling, nearly falling multiple times and nodding in and out of consciousness throughout the course of that shift." A customer present during the overnight shift told WCBS that Lobianco was "so high, he didn’t even know how he was working the cash register."
The Investigation
Suffolk County prosecutors allege that Lobianco’s drive home before 7 a.m. showed clear signs of impairment. Police reports state that he allegedly stopped at a green light at an intersection, only proceeding after a driver behind him honked. As he continued, he drifted to the side of the road before allegedly running a steady red light at high speed.
The Camry then drifted across a double yellow line onto the sidewalk where the construction crew was working. Police who responded to the scene said Lobianco "exhibited signs of impairment" and allegedly recovered cannabis, clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia from his backpack. Sicon-Porix died from his injuries at the hospital, while his two colleagues required emergency surgery for serious injuries.
The Charges
Following the upgrade in charges, Lobianco has been indicted on aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular assault, and 16 other counts. He appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all 19 charges. His defense attorney, Robert Macedonio, stated that further toxicology reports are needed to determine the exact level of his client’s impairment at the time of the crash.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Lobianco, 26, faces upgraded charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter.
- Prosecutors allege Lobianco was impaired by cannabis and clonazepam during his overnight shift at 7-Eleven.
- Victim Joel Sicon-Porix, 38, died after being struck by Lobianco’s Camry; two other workers were seriously injured.
- Surveillance footage allegedly showed Lobianco nodding in and out of consciousness while working.
- Lobianco is being held on $7.5 million cash bail, $15 million bond, or $30 million partially secured bond.
- The defense argues that toxicology reports are necessary to confirm the extent of impairment.
What's Next
The case is now in the pretrial phase following Lobianco's plea of not guilty. The primary focus for upcoming legal proceedings will be the release and analysis of the toxicology reports, which the defense contends are essential to establishing the precise level of impairment at the time of the collision. No specific trial date has been publicly announced yet, but the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is expected to move forward with the upgraded charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter once the forensic evidence is finalized.