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NEW YORK: Jesse VanEps charged with DWI – drugs when he crashed his Jeep head-on into New York trooper’s cruiser in spite of trooper’s best efforts to evade him
New York State Police are investigating a two-car motor vehicle crash that occurred on October 2, 2018, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on State Route 55 in the town of Bethel. Trooper Brandon Smith, of State Police Roscoe, was traveling east on State Route 55 operating a 2013 Ford Explorer, when a 1994 Jeep Cherokee, being operated by Jesse VanEps, age 18, of Eldred, NY was traveling west on State Route 55.
New York State Police report that Trooper Smith observed the jeep drift off the north shoulder and ultimately reenters the eastbound lane that Trooper Smith is traveling in and attempted took evasive action but was unable to avoid the Jeep Cherokee and was struck head-on injuring both drivers.
Trooper Smith was transported to Catskill Regional Medical Center where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. VanEps was also transported to Catskill Regional Medical Center and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries
VanEps was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs (DWAI Drugs) and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Bethel Court on October 9, 2018, at 5 p.m.