A Smithtown man been arrested for driving under the influence after causing a chain-reaction crash by rear-ending a New York State Police (NYSP) troop vehicle, which hit another troop vehicle, causing injuries to the two troopers.
On November 16 at approximately 12:00 am, two NYSP vehicles were struck by a 2004 gray Toyota RAV4 on the Southern State Parkway eastbound in the area of exits 39 and 40S in the Town of Babylon. Troopers were investigating a crash involving a 2018 GMC Acadia that struck a New York State Department of Transportation light tower in a work zone. The operator, Jared Robinson, 32, of Bay Shore, was found to be driving under the influence.
During this investigation, troopers were in their vehicles behind the driver’s seat when Jaikaran Ramrookum’s Toyota RAV4, which was not involved in the original investigation, struck the rear of one troop car, pushing it into the other. Ramrookum, 73, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, an unclassified misdemeanor.
Both troopers were injured in the crash, but, despite their injuries, they responded to check on possible injuries of other motorists at this scene. It was only afterwards that they recognized their own injuries. All parties were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This situation is a serious and unfortunate one,” NYSP Troop L in Farmingdale said in a statement. “It is disappointing when individuals make choices that endanger the lives of others, especially those who are working to improve our roadways and protect the public. This incident serves as a reminder to drivers to not only drive sober, but to be aware of their surroundings, slow down and move over.”
“It is important to remember that impaired driving is a serious offense that is 100% preventable with devastating consequences,” Troop L continued. “It is crucial to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.