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Malta man arrested for DWAI Drugs, not first time.
LATHAM–A State Trooper and a tow-truck driver were injured on the Southbound side of the Northway on Saturday, Nov. 3 and a 40-year-old Malta man is in custody for hitting them was charged with felony DWAI-Drugs and other charges.
According to reports, at about 12:28 p.m., State Police and EMS responded to reports of a Trooper being struck by a passing vehicle while on a traffic stop just before the exit 6-7 off-ramp.
An investigation determined that the Trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation, the vehicle was being towed.
While loading the vehicle onto the tow truck, the Trooper, and the tow-truck operator were outside their vehicles when a passing pick-up truck struck them.
The tow truck operator was transported for medical evaluation and has been determined to have more serious injuries (previously published as minor injuries). Following evaluation and treatment they were discharged from the hospital to recover at home. The Trooper sustained severe injuries and is listed in stable condition at Albany Medical Center as of Sunday Afternoon, Troop G Public Information Officer Trooper Stephanie O’Neil said in a statement.
Following the collision, the pick-up truck driver, Jason Guerin, and multiple witnesses stopped and contacted 911. Guerin was taken into State Police custody, and charged with Felony aggravated vehicular assault- prior conviction, assault second degree recklessly cause serious physical injury-weapon/instrument, and DWAI-Drugs- prior conviction within 10 years, all felonies.
State Police confirmed that Guerin has had a previous DWI conviction in the last ten years. When a suspect has prior DWI or DWAI convictions within 10 years, additional impairment-related charges are automatically elevated to felonies, instead of misdemeanors.
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 arraigned at the Colonie Town Court on Sunday, Nov. 3, where he was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.
This story was updated at 8:15 p.m. to reflect that Guerin lives in Malta not Ballston Spa. Both municipalities share the same zip code. We also updated the condition of the two injured in the crash and added additional information on arraignment.
