Driver in Serious Bear Mountain Crash Charged with DWI, Vehicular Assault Felonies

The following was provided by the New York State police. It does not indicate a conviction.

A New York City man was arraigned in Cortlandt Town Court in connection with a serious motor vehicle accident that occurred around 1 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2011. James E. Anderson, 43, formerly of Yorktown Heights, was charged with two counts of Vehicular Assault 1st, felonies, Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, both misdemeanors, and Crossing Hazardous Markings, a traffic infraction at a Feb. 3 arraignment.

The crash occurred at 1:09 a.m. on the Bear Mountain Parkway near Route 6 in Cortlandt Manor. The investigation revealed that Anderson was operating his 2006 Honda Pilot eastbound on the Parkway when he crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a 2008 Audi, being operated westbound by a 17- year-old Carmel resident. Both Anderson and the other driver suffered very serious injuries in the crash and were both hospitalized in critical condition for a lengthy period of time. Additionally, a 16-year-old Shrub Oak resident was seriously injured and also hospitalized. She was a passenger in the westbound Audi.

Lab results from blood obtained at the time of the crash showed Anderson to have a BAC of 0.16%, twice the legal limit. Anderson was also driving while having a suspended drivers license.

He was released in his own recognizance and is due to appear in Cortlandt Court at a future schedule court appearance.

The investigation and arrest were handled by Investigator Sean J. Morgan of the New York State Police -Bureau of Criminal Investigations.