Jail for manwho injured troopers, driver
TROY, N.Y. » The man responsible for injuring two New York State Troopers and a tow truck driver on Interstate 90 in North Greenbush in March was sentenced to two to six years in prison Monday morning.
In the pre- dawn hours on March 4, state Troopers Brent Karow and Shane Swartz were assisting tow truck operators with a single vehicle accident on Inter- state 90. Then at approximately 5:15 a.m. authorities said, Christopher Neumann, 27, of Castleton, struck the two troopers and the truck driver, Jeffrey Wait Sr., at a high rate of speed causing substantial injury to all three. Upon his arrest he was found to be impaired under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol. Neumann previously admitted to taking prescription medication along with marijuana and alcohol on the day of the accident.
Authorities said the two troopers that were struck by Neumann flew to the guard rail, while Wait ended up being pinned under the tow truck.
In June, Neumann pleaded guilty to one count of first- degree vehicular assault, a felony, and one count of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, a misdemeanor.
As a result of the plea, Neumann was sentenced to two to six years in state prison at the Rensselaer County Courthouse before the Hon. Debra Young.
At the sentencing, Wait along with his wife, Sherri, read victim impact statements expressing how the accident has changed their family lives and will for a long time.
“Due to the senseless actions of Christopher Neumann resulting in vehicular assault and driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, I was [then] on my way to Albany Medical Center with multiple injuries, injuries which have greatly impacted my life, with permanent injuries, I can no longer live my life the way I want to,” said Jeffrey Wait Sr. “I can- not hold or play with my grandchildren like I used to, I cannot do the work my business provides without someone’s assistance, I cannot dance with my wife like we used to…. I cannot lift many objects or complete tasks around my home without the assistance of others [and] I cannot drive long distances.”
“The scars that he will carry will always be a constant reminder of how close it was that we almost lost him, it’s a never ending emotional roller coaster,” added Sherri Wait.
Before being sentenced, Neumann along with his attorney, James Long, spoke in the courtroom about how Neumann cooperated with law enforcement throughout the whole investigation and how Neumann is remorseful for his actions.
“I’ve never had a client who from the very beginning was willing, ready and able to accept responsibility for his actions,” said Long.
“Throughout my life I’ve never hurt a single person,” said Neumann, while noting how he hopes those he injured will accept his apology one day and how he intends to volunteer his time on different panels in the future. “I tried to do the right thing [after the accident].... But it was my fault.”
Prior to sentencing Neumann, Young said, “... this matter is nothing but tragic.” Young also sentenced Neumann to receive a one-year conditional discharge, where he will be required to attend victim impact panels and participate in other programs as well as revoking his license for six months and issuing out fines and other charges.
After the sentencing, Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove said he was pleased to see Neumann get as close to the maximum sentencing that he could receive, although he said he knows that no amount of time in prison will ever really be enough for the victims involved.
“There’s real l y no amount of time that’s going to make these victims feel as though justice has truly been done, their lives have been altered immeasurable and forever,” said Abelove outside of the courtroom, while also noting how the two troopers aren’t back to work yet after their injuries.