Shocking Incident: Man on Heroin Crashes into Trooper and Tow Truck Driver
A man is in serious trouble after crashing his truck into a state trooper and a tow truck driver while under the influence of heroin.
This incident happened on Saturday, November 2, around 12:30 p.m. on the Northway in Colonie, near Exit 6 and Exit 7.
The driver, Jason Guerin, 40, from Ballston Spa, was pulled over by the police for a traffic violation.
His 2023 Ford F-150 crashed into the trooper and the tow truck driver, Brett M. Dempsey, who was loading another vehicle.
Witnesses reported that the crash was sudden and violent. One witness mentioned seeing the pickup truck moving erratically from its lane before it hit the trooper and the tow truck driver.
The trooper, Nicholas Abbondola, was standing near the rear of the tow truck when the collision occurred.
The witness described how there was no time for anyone to react before the truck hit both men, and it continued to drive off after the impact.
Another observer noted that the truck changed lanes multiple times before the crash, hitting the trooper, who rolled between the truck and the tow truck. The tow truck driver was knocked down but managed to get back up.
Court documents detail the injuries sustained by Trooper Abbondola, including losing several teeth, being knocked unconscious, and suffering a deep cut over his left eye.
His right arm was also severely injured, along with cuts and bruises on his legs.
After the accident, Guerin pulled over and asked, “Is he hurt real bad?” According to police reports, another driver who witnessed the crash parked his vehicle in front of Guerin’s truck to prevent him from leaving the scene.
A Good Samaritan, who happened to be in the area, saw the accident and rushed to help.
She found the trooper with a pulse but barely conscious and quickly began talking to him while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
When asked about the accident, Guerin admitted to using “a little” heroin before getting behind the wheel.
He stated he was driving from home to Enterprise in Clifton Park and that he works at St. Peter’s in Schenectady. He also mentioned that he is seeing a neurologist for a sleep disorder.
Guerin has a troubled history, having been convicted of driving while intoxicated in March 2024 in Malta Town Court. After the crash, he faced several serious charges, including aggravated vehicular assault, assault, and driving while ability impaired by drugs.
He also faced charges for operating a vehicle without an inspection certificate, failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with emergency and hazardous vehicles, reckless driving, speeding, and unsafe lane changes.
This incident highlights the dangers of driving under the influence and the severe consequences that can arise from such reckless behavior.
The community is now left to hope for the recovery of both the trooper and the tow truck driver, who were doing their jobs when they were injured in this tragic accident.
The legal process will now determine the fate of Jason Guerin as he faces numerous charges related to this serious crash.