Drunk-driver takes life of 21-year-old

An Akwesasne man celebrating his 21st birthday was struck and killed by a drunk driver last Friday morning, Jan. 15.

According to tribal police, Tyson Arquette, known as “Dooganut”, was walking on St. Regis Road at approximately 5:15 a.m. when a vehicle heading towards the village of St. Regis struck him. Arquette was pronounced dead upon his arrival to Massena Memorial Hospital. He leaves behind two small children.

Police have charged the driver of the vehicle, Jessica Lazore, 27, also of Akwesasne, with 1st Degree Vehicular Manslaughter, a Class C Felony, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Intoxicated. She was arraigned in Bombay Town Court and held in custody at the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Police said the incident was not a hit-and-run.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Pyke Road and St. Regis Road and investigators closed St. Regis Road down to all traffic for six hours.