Trooper, two truck drivers injured in Colonie crash identified | News

Both the trooper and the tow truck driver are expected to have a long recovery ahead of them, police said.

Police identified the trooper as Trooper Nicholas Abbondola, of Rensselaer County. Abbondola joined the state police in October 2023 and graduated from the 214th session of the academy.

He is currently assigned to Troop G of the Latham Interstate Patrol.

Abbondola suffered multiple fractures and other injuries in the crash, police said.

“He has undergone lengthy surgeries to repair some injuries, but it is expected that additional surgeries will be required in addition to extensive rehabilitation,” police wrote in a news release. “He remains in stable condition with his family and fellow troopers at his side to support and strengthen him.”

Police identified the tow truck driver as Brett M. Dempsey, 29, of Clifton Park.

Dempsey has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, police said. His injuries are also expected to require a long recovery, police said.

“Our prayers and thoughts continue to go out to Trooper Abbondola, Mr. Dempsey and their families during this difficult time,” police wrote.

Malta resident Jason J. Guerin, 40, has since been charged with first-degree aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree vehicular assault and driving while impaired by drugs, police said.

The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. Saturday on the southbound Northway just before Exit 6-7 in Colonie, police said.

The officer had stopped a vehicle for a vehicle and traffic violation and the vehicle subsequently had to be towed, police said.

Both the tow truck driver and the officer were outside their vehicles when the passing pickup struck them, police said.

The man charged in the case, Guerin, had a prior DWI conviction within the past decade, police said.

In Monday’s release identifying police and the tow truck driver, police wrote that they wanted to “emphasize the importance of seeking treatment for substance or alcohol addiction.

“This incident is a tragedy that could easily have been prevented,” police wrote. “The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support has a 24/7 toll-free and confidential HOPEline. If you need this, call 1-877-846-7369 or visit their website at https://oasas.ny.gov/treatment.”

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