A Spring Valley man was killed early Thursday morning after driving the wrong direction on the Palisades Parkway and crashing head-on into an oncoming car near exit 18. New York State Police Troop F Commander, Major Paul DeQuarto, says 67 year-old Hugo Vasquez was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes around a quarter to five yesterday morning when he struck another car heading northbound. The driver of that car, 46 year-old Franklin Yanza-Zaruma, also of Spring Valley, was taken to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown with non-life-threatening injuries. His two passengers were taken to Westchester Medical Center, also with non-life-threatening injuries. DeQuarto says there were no signs of drugs or alcohol involved. If you witnessed the crash or have any information, contact the State Police at 845-364-0200. The accident is under investigation.
Breaking News
You’re Always on Camera: With Ubiquity of Video Cameras, Rockland Sheriff Wonders Why Anyone Would Commit Crime
The nation was abuzz over that allegedly fake cop who went into road rage on a real cop up in Orange County. Now the man who reportedly lied about being a state trooper has been charged with racial crimes. It was all on a video, first broadcast by News 12, that caught him in the act of apparently threatening an off-duty Wallkill lieutenant with a knife, who was on his way to church with his son. Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says it’s amazing people aren’t deterred from such stupidity, as everyone knows there are cameras everywhere these days…
Falco believes incidents like this will only stop, when we all get together as a community and settle the obstacles that divide us. Newburgh police arrested 60-year-old William Ryan in the case. He is charged with menacing as a hate crime, that’s a felony.
Multi-Car Crash Ties Up Palisades South in Stony Point
The Palisades Parkway south is backed up and shut down this morning after a multi-car accident just south of exit 14 in Stony Point. Traffic on the northbound side is jammed as well as traffic is being diverted from the south-bound side. Avoid that area if you can.
Two Injured in Car Accident in Ramapo Friday Night
Two people were hospitalized Friday night, one with life-threatening injuries, after a multi-vehicle accident in Ramapo. The accident occurred at the intersection of Route 45 and New Hempstead Road around 6pm. News 12 reports the driver of a landscaping truck that was involved in the accident said another car went through a red light. Police said another car subsequently crashed into the accident scene. No word on whether police ticketed anyone involved.
Charges Against HiTor President Remain, Plea Deal Reportedly Rejected
A Rockland judge has declined to dismiss criminal charges against HiTor’s president. RCBIZJournal.com says Debbie DiBernardo rejected a plea deal in the case, in which the Rockland District Attorney’s office accuses her of falsifying business records. DiBernado has claimed she is innocent, and remains president of the shelter.