Photo: Getty Images
New York State Trooper Nicholas Abbondola, who was seriously injured while on duty, has been discharged from the hospital. Abbondola and a tow truck driver, Brett M. Dempsey, were removing a vehicle from the Northway in Colonie, New York, when they were struck by a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Jason Guerin, who was allegedly under the influence. The incident occurred earlier this month.
Abbondola, who joined the State Police in October 2023, sustained multiple fractures and other injuries during the collision. He has undergone several surgeries and is expected to need additional surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, according to a statement from the New York State Police. Despite the long road to recovery, Abbondola is expected to rejoin the force.
Dempsey, the tow truck operator, has also been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home. His injuries will also require a lengthy recovery, the State Police said.
Guerin, the driver of the pickup truck, was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated vehicular assault and driving while ability impaired by drugs. He had a previous DWI conviction within the past decade, which elevated the charges from misdemeanors to felonies under New York law. Guerin was arraigned at Colonie Town Court and remanded to Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.