Charges include DWI, Reckless Endangerment, and Fleeing a Police Officer

Yonkers, NY – On Monday, November 26th, 2018, at approximately 1:37 PM, a Yonkers Police Officer was conducting traffic control in the area of 100 Warburton Avenue for Consolidated Edison; the utility company was engaged in underground electrical repair work at scene. Thereat, a white Ford van approached the construction site at a high rate of speed, failing to slow down and yield, and struck a Con-Edison worker and his vehicle. The Ford van did not stop and fled the scene; the officer followed in his marked vehicle, attempting to stop the van with emergency lights and sirens to no avail. The operator of the van continued northbound, attempting to evade police, driving recklessly and crossing the double-solid line in the face of oncoming traffic at high rates of speed. Continuing northbound via North Broadway, the van disregarded multiple traffic control devices including steady red lights. The Ford van ultimately made its way to Executive Boulevard, where it collided with a second vehicle, a blue Honda Civic, and came to rest on a grassy area off the roadway. The operator of the van then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by police officers.

All three parties – the Con-Edison worker and operators of the Ford van and Honda Civic – were taken to local area hospitals for medical treatment. The Con-Edison worker suffered non-life threatening head, neck, and back injuries; the operator of the Honda Civic suffered non-life threatening head and neck injuries. The operator of the Ford van was treated for breathing difficulties; he made subsequent admissions to recently consuming half a bottle of vodka – an open bottle of Gray Goose vodka was located in the van and recovered as evidence, in addition to officer observations of his apparent intoxication. The van was impounded at scene.

The operator of the Ford van is identified as Albert POPOLLA, a 49 year old resident of Mount Vernon. POPOLLA was arrested and booked on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Operator Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, Operating a Motor Vehicle While intoxicated, Refusing to take a Breath Test, and Resisting Arrest, in addition to multiple vehicle and traffic law citations.

Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated, “The importance of slowing down and moving over when approaching a construction scene or emergency responders cannot be overstated. Police, Fire, EMS, and Utility workers place themselves at risk on our roads and highways every day. Thankfully in this instance the injuries were not life threatening and the police response was immediate; the defendant will now have to face the full extent of the law for his alleged reckless and dangerous behavior.”

POPOLLA is due to be arraigned on today’s date. The case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

NOTE: Booking charges are merely accusations and the defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. ###

Alert sent on 11/27/2018 at 3:24PM EST

Albert V POPOLLA (JPG)	Patch (JPG)

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