High-speed chase leads to multiple-car crash

Posted 8/7/19

A high-speed chase that began last Thursday on the New York State Thruway ended with a head-on collision, injuring six.

On August 1, at approximately 10:54 a.m., State Police attempted to stop a …

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High-speed chase leads to multiple-car crash

Posted

A high-speed chase that began last Thursday on the New York State Thruway ended with a head-on collision, injuring six.

On August 1, at approximately 10:54 a.m., State Police attempted to stop a black Chevy Tahoe on I-87 near the Newburgh exit, based on a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a suspect vehicle wanted for questioning regarding a felony investigation.

The Tahoe, operated by Willie T. Cuyler, 26, of Lauderdale Lakes, FL, failed to comply and a pursuit ensued. When Troopers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle for a vehicle and traffic violation, Cuyler exited the Thruway at the Newburgh exit and fled onto I-84. He continued to State Route 52, and eventually traveled east on State Route 17K where he drove into the westbound lane and struck a 2012 Mazda operated by Mark A. Newsome, 62, of Middletown. Newsome’s vehicle was pushed into the path of a 2016 Honda CRV, traveling eastbound on State Route 17K, being operated by Cynthia M. Diaz, 59, of New Windsor. The suspect vehicle then spun around in the westbound lane and struck a 2015 Chevy Tahoe operated by Stacey M. Ackerson, 39, of Walden, head on.

Diaz and Ackerson were both transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Newsone was not injured.

The 4 occupants in the suspect vehicle were entrapped as a result of the crash. Cuyler and passenger, Deonte S. Damon, 24, of Lauder Hill, FL, were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Farrell M. Kam, 25, of Boca Raton, FL, was transported to Westchester Medical Center for serious injuries and Darius D. Henry, 26, of North Lauderdale, FL, was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, also for a serious injury.

Cuyler, 26, was released from St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital on Sunday and processed at SP Montgomery. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree; a Class C Felony, Assault 2nd degree; a Class D Felony, Reckless Endangerment 1st degree; a Class D Felony, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 2nd degree; a Class E Felony, Reckless Driving; an Unclassified Misdemeanor, and numerous Vehicle and Traffic Violations.

Cuyler was arraigned before the Town of Newburgh Court and remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is to re-appear on August 6, at 10 a.m.

Damon was released from the hospital on Friday, August 2. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree; a Class C Felony. He was arraigned before the Town of Newburgh Court and remanded to Orange County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or bond. Damon is to re-appear on August 6, at 10 a.m.