Fiery Plattsburgh Crash Involving Two Troop Cars Investigated
A rear-end collision on State Route 374 pushed one police cruiser into another before a patrol vehicle caught fire.
A Plattsburgh troop car crash involving three
vehicles sent two New York State troopers to the hospital Tuesday morning after one of their patrol cars caught fire. State Police said the troopers suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The cause of the July 14 collision remains under investigation.
Crash Reported on State Route 374
The collision happened at approximately 7:02 a.m. on State Route 374 near its intersection with Rand Hill Road in the town of Plattsburgh, according to a New York State Police news release.
Police said two marked Dodge Charger patrol vehicles were traveling west on Route 374 as they approached the intersection.
The first cruiser was a 2021 Dodge Charger operated by Trooper Jacob R. Casey of the State Police barracks in Plattsburgh. The second was a 2023 Dodge Charger operated by Trooper Jakai E. Townsend of SP Lewis.
An unrelated vehicle traveling ahead of the cruisers slowed to make a turn. Police said both troopers also reduced their speed.
Jeep Allegedly Struck Rear Troop Car
According to the preliminary State Police investigation, a 2018 orange Jeep Cherokee driven by 41-year-old Michelle L. Donah of Saranac approached the slowing traffic from behind.
Police said Donah “failed to observe the slowing traffic” and struck Townsend’s patrol vehicle from the rear. The force of that collision pushed Townsend’s cruiser into the back of Casey’s patrol vehicle.
The police account is preliminary. Authorities have not announced whether a traffic ticket or criminal charge will be filed.
Sequence of the Three-Vehicle Collision
Based on the State Police report, investigators described the crash sequence as follows:
- A vehicle ahead of the two police cruisers slowed to turn.
- Both marked patrol vehicles slowed behind it.
- The Jeep Cherokee struck the second patrol car from behind.
- The second cruiser was pushed into the first cruiser.
- The second State Police vehicle caught fire.
The vehicle that initially slowed was not struck and was described by police as uninvolved in the collision.
Police Cruiser Catches Fire
After the impact, the 2023 Dodge Charger operated by Townsend caught fire.
Local fire departments and emergency medical crews responded to the scene. Firefighters extinguished the burning patrol vehicle, according to State Police.
The agency did not identify the responding fire departments or release details about the extent of the damage to the vehicles.
Photographs or video from the collision had not been included with the public State Police release beyond the agency’s standard webpage imagery.
Two Troopers Taken to Hospital
Both Casey and Townsend were transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
State Police classified their injuries as non-life-threatening. The agency did not provide additional information about their conditions or say whether either trooper had been released from the hospital.
Donah was evaluated at the crash scene by emergency medical personnel. Police said she declined additional treatment after signing a medical refusal.
No injuries were reported for anyone in the vehicle that had slowed to turn.
What Investigators Have Not Yet Determined
Several questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues:
- Whether speed contributed to the collision
- Whether distraction or another driver-related factor was involved
- Whether road or weather conditions played a role
- Whether any traffic citations will be issued
- How severely the three vehicles were damaged
- Whether Route 374 was closed or restricted after the crash
State Police have not publicly attributed the collision to impairment, reckless conduct or a mechanical failure.
That distinction is important. A preliminary police release describes what investigators believe happened based on the information available at the scene. It is not a final legal determination of responsibility.
Rear-End Collisions Demand Extra Following Distance
The Plattsburgh collision is a reminder that traffic can slow unexpectedly, especially near intersections and turning vehicles.
Drivers can reduce the risk of a rear-end crash by:
- Leaving additional distance between vehicles
- Watching several vehicles ahead instead of focusing only on the nearest car
- Avoiding phones and other distractions
- Reducing speed near intersections
- Allowing more stopping distance during rain, snow or poor visibility
- Remaining alert when approaching emergency or police vehicles
Even when a patrol vehicle is not responding to an emergency, surrounding drivers should remain prepared for changing traffic conditions.
Investigation Remains Active
The New York State Police said its investigation into the cause of the three-vehicle crash is continuing.
The case is being handled by State Police Troop B, which serves Clinton County and other communities across New York’s North Country. Trooper Brandi M. Ashley was listed as the public information contact for the release.
Authorities have not announced an arrest or filed charges in connection with the collision.
Readers traveling through the Route 374 and Rand Hill Road area should remain attentive to changing traffic patterns and follow any instructions issued by police, highway crews or emergency personnel.
The Utica Phoenix will update this report if State Police release additional information about the investigation, the troopers’ conditions or possible enforcement action.
