Police have released the names of the state trooper and tow truck driver injured after they were hit by a truck on the Northway on Saturday.

Trooper Nicholas Abbondola and tow truck driver Brett M. Dempsey, 29, of Clifton Park, were on Northway exit 6 and southbound exit 7 just before 12:30 p.m. The officer had stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and it was being towed. The vehicle was being loaded into the tow truck when both Abbondola and Dempsey were struck by a passing vehicle.

Both were seriously injured. Dempsey has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, state police said. His wounds will take a long time to heal.

Private Abbondola has been with the State Police since October 2023. He had multiple fractures and other injuries. He has undergone lengthy surgeries and more are expected, according to police. He will need extensive rehabilitation.

State police extend their prayers to Abbondola and Dempsey and their families.

The driver of the truck pulled over and called 911. Jason J. Guerin, 40, was charged with aggravated vehicular assaultassault, driving while ability impaired by drugs and other vehicle and traffic violations.

Police said he had a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact State Police at 518-457-6811 or email [email protected].

Additionally, New York State Police are reminding people to seek substance or alcohol addiction treatment to avoid these types of tragedies.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Assistance has a toll-free, confidential 24/7 hotline. If you need to, call 1-877-846-7369 or visit their website at https://oasas.ny.gov/treatment.

Jason Guerin