COLONIE — Dertwan J. Dantzler, 21, of Troy, was involved in a pair of accidents on Route 9 Wednesday, May 4, according to New York State Police.
The first collision took place at approximately 6:41 p.m. when Dantzler’s vehicle, a 2015 Honda, allegedly sideswiped a 2005 Honda while traveling northbound on Route 9. Police said he was being pursued by a marked state police vehicle with its emergency lights and siren activated after witnessing traffic violations. The trooper reportedly discontinued the pursuit after witnessing the first accident. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Approximately two minutes later, Dantzler was involved in a second accident on Route 9 at the entrance to Newton Plaza, which resulted in a four-vehicle personal injury crash, including his own. Dantzler sustained a collapsed lung and was transported to Albany Medical Center. Two occupants were also transported to the hospital with injuries. Amir F. Covington, 22, of Troy, sustained a fractured back, and Marquis T. Thompson, 18, of Albany, sustained a fractured pelvis, a collapsed lung and a bruised heart.
Also involved in the second crash were a 2011 Subaru, a 2005 Honda and a 2006 Honda. The driver of the 2006 Honda reportedly complained of pain and was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Troy. The drivers of the other two vehicles were not injured.
Both crashes are under investigation by members of the Uniform Force, BCI and the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and police said that alcohol or drugs may have been a factor for the driver involved in both incidents.
Prior to the separate incidents, a state trooper allegedly observed a 2015 Honda — now known to be Dantzler’s vehicle — traveling southbound on Interstate 787 at a high rate of speed. The trooper pursued the vehicle onto Interstate 90 and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not comply and exited onto Route 9 at Exit 6.
