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The incident occurred in Albany County on the Northway southbound lanes on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Colonie.
According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, Trooper Nicholas Abbondola has undergone lengthy surgeries to repair some of the injuries, but additional surgeries are expected to be necessary, along with extensive rehabilitation.
"He remains in stable condition with his family and fellow troopers by his side to support and strengthen him," O'Neil said.
O'Neil said that the tow truck operator has been identified as Saratoga County resident Brett M. Dempsey, age 29, of Clifton Park.
O'Neil added that Dempsey has been discharged from the hospital and is healing at home. His injuries will also require a long recovery.
"Our prayers and thoughts continue to go out to Trooper Abbondola, Mr. Dempsey, and their families during this difficult time," O'Neil said.
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 pickup truck's driver has been identified as 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.
Following the incident, Guerin was taken to SP Latham for processing. There, he was evaluated by a drug recognition expert, and samples were taken to determine the drug content of his blood.
Guerin was arraigned at the Colonie Town Court on Sunday, Nov. 3, and 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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