A State Trooper and a tow truck operator were on a routine traffic stop in Albany County Saturday afternoon when they were struck and injured by a passing pickup truck on Interstate 87.
An investigation determined that the Trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation, the car was being towed. While loading the car onto the tow truck, the Trooper, and the tow truck operator were outside their vehicles when a passing pick-up truck struck them.
The Trooper, who hasn’t been identified, was listed in stable condition at Albany Medical Center.
The tow truck operator involved has been determined to have more serious injuries following evaluation and treatment they were discharged from the hospital to recover at home.
The driver of the pickup, 40-year-old Jason Guerin, of Malta, stopped and remained on scene following the accident.
Guerin was charged with the following:
- Aggravated Vehicular Assault in the first degree, a class “C” felony
- Assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony
- Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs
- Numerous other Vehicle and Traffic Law violation
Guerin has had a previous DWI conviction in the last ten years.
Following the incident, Guerin was taken to SP Latham for processing. Where he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and samples were taken to determine the drug content of his blood.
Guerin was sent to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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