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Putnam County native Nicholas Abbondola, from Mahopac, was severely injured in Albany County on Saturday, Nov. 2, on the Northway southbound lanes at 12:30 p.m.
A tow truck driver from Saratoga County, Brett M. Dempsey, age 29, of Clifton Park, was also hit. He is recovering at home but has a long road ahead, said New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil.
O'Neil said Abbondola will be moved to a rehabilitation center soon.
Abbondola joined the State Police in October 2023 and graduated from the 214th session, O'Neil said. He is currently assigned to Troop G on the Latham Interstate Patrol.
The Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund has organized a fundraiser to support Abbondola through rehabilitation.
A GoFundMe has been started for Dempsey and his family through his recovery and hospital bills.
The pickup truck's driver was Saratoga County resident Jason J. Guerin, age 40, of Malta.
Guerin stopped and remained on scene following the collision, where he was taken into custody. He has been charged with the following:
Aggravated vehicular assault
- Assault
- Driving while ability impaired by drugs
- Numerous other vehicle and traffic law violations
Guerin has had a previous DWI conviction in the last 10 years, O'Neil said.
He was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information related to this incident is asked to contact State Police at 518-457-6811 or email michael.altieri@troopers.ny.gov.
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