Breaking News: Pickup Driver Charged with Assault Following Severe Northway Crash!
A Malta man, Jason J. Guerin, aged 40, is facing serious charges after a crash on the Northway left a state trooper and a tow truck operator injured. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:30 p.m. during a traffic stop on the southbound lanes of the Northway near exits 6 and 7.
The state trooper and the tow truck operator were outside their vehicles while the tow operator was loading a stopped vehicle when Guerin’s pickup truck allegedly struck them.
Following the collision, Guerin stopped his vehicle and remained on the scene until authorities arrived. He was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the State Police barracks in Latham, where he was processed and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). Samples of Guerin’s blood were collected to assess any drug presence, which could be linked to the charges against him.
Guerin now faces multiple charges, including Aggravated Vehicular Assault in the first degree, a class “C” felony, and Assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony.
Additionally, he has been charged with Driving While being impaired by drugs (DWAI-Drugs) and various Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Reports indicate that Guerin has a prior DWI conviction within the past ten years, which may impact the severity of his current charges.
The trooper involved in the accident is reported to be in stable condition and receiving treatment at Albany Medical Center. The tow truck operator, initially reported to have minor injuries, was found to have more serious injuries after further medical evaluation.
However, they have since been discharged and are recovering at home. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the tow truck operator and their family during the recovery process.
Guerin was arraigned on November 3, 2024, in Colonie Town Court. Following his court appearance, he was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail, where he will remain as the legal process continues.
This incident underscores the critical importance of safety and awareness around emergency responders and tow operators working on highways. Authorities remind drivers to slow down and move over for vehicles stopped on the roadside, as required by law, to prevent tragic accidents like this.