Impaired Driver charged in February crash near Crossgates Mall

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A driver from a crash that took place on I-87 near Crossgates Mall in February is now being charged. Donald Andrews Jr., 35, Schenectady, faces several charges.

On February 11, around 7:21 p.m., New York State Police responded to a crash on I-87 near the Crossgates Mall ramp overpass from I-87 Adirondack Northway. Police say an investigation found a car, leaving I-87 Adirondack Northway, driving on the ramp to Crossgates Mall, failed to navigate the curve on the roadway.

Police say the car went through the guide rail, off the overpass, and landed on I-87 Thruway coming to a rest in the two left northbound lanes. Police have identified Andrews and the driver of the car that went through the guide rail.

Police say a northbound SUV on I-87 struck the car and overturned. Four people were in each car (eight total) and all were taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Three of them suffered serious injuries.

The investigation lasted roughly eight hours, and at the time all northbound lanes I-87 thruway and the Crossgates Mall ramp were closed.

Charges:

• Aggravated vehicular assault
• Second-degree assault (three counts)
• Third-degree assault (four counts)
• Second-degree reckless endangerment (four counts)
• Endangering the welfare of a child (two counts)
• Driving while ability impaired – combined influence of drugs and alcohol
• Numerous additional vehicle and traffic law violations

Police say Andrews was driving the car that landed on the thruway after crashing through the guide rail. The cause of the crash was determined to be a combination of excessive speed and Andrew’s impairment by drugs and alcohol, per New York State Police.