Trooper, tow truck driver struck on Northway named

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- State Police have identified the Trooper and tow truck driver hit near Exit 7 of the Northway on Saturday. Trooper Nicholas Abbondola remains stable at Albany Medical Center, while tow truck driver Brett M. Dempsey, 29, of Clifton Park, has been discharged and is healing at home.

At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Trooper Abbondola was conducting a traffic stop that required a car to be towed when he and Dempsey were hit by a passing vehicle near Exit 7 on the Northway. Abbondola sustained multiple fractures and other injuries that will require several surgeries, some of which he has undergone.

Trooper Abbondola joined the New York State Police in October 2023 and was assigned to the Troop G Latham Interstate Patrol. Troopers said Abbondola will need extensive rehabilitation after the surgeries are complete.

Dempsey was discharged on Sunday and is resting at home. He has a long road to recovery. Friends close to Dempsey and his girlfriend have raised over $18,000 through GoFundMe in support of his recovery.

State Police said the accused driver that hit Abbondola and Dempsey, Jason J. Guerin, 40, of Malta, was charged with first-degree aggravated vehicular assault, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and more. Troopers added that Guerin remains in Albany County Jail without bail and has prior driving while intoxicated convictions in the last 10 years.