Saratoga Springs Police Department

5 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 584-1800 GREGORY J. VEITCH Chief of Police
Serving Since 1887

Assistant Chief of Police

08/27/2013 From: Lt. John Catone Re: Fatal Accident on Route 9 South

On Sunday August 25th, 2013, at 10:30pm, The Saratoga Springs Police Department received a 911 call reporting a serious personal injury accident involving an SUV and two Motorcycles at the intersection of RT 9 South and the East / West Road entering the State Park. Multiple Police and Fire Units responded to the scene and SSPD Sgt. Aaron Benware was the first officer on scene. A passing motorists who stopped and identified herself as a nurse, and Sgt. Benware, immediately began CPR on one of the motorcycle drivers who was later identified as Christopher T. Thomas, Age 26, Yates Street, Troy, NY. Arriving SSFD Paramedics began immediate life-support procedures, continued CPR, and transported Thomas to Saratoga Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The cause of death for Christopher Thomas is massive chest injuries and a ruptured aorta. The preliminary accident investigation shows a 2008 Lexus SUV being operated by a Debra Powell, Northborough, MA, was facing North on Rt 9 and positioned in the left-turn lane getting ready to turn left on to the East / West Road. The two motorcycles, the first, a 2007 Yamaha, Red, being operated by Christopher Thomas, the second, a 2008 Victory, Black, being operated by Scott A. Mancini, Age 23, Third Street, Rensselaer, NY, and carrying a passenger, Stephanie Preble, Age 20, McChesney Ave Ext, Troy, NY, were first observed going South on Route 9 at the Avenue of the Pines. According to witnesses, the two motorcycles were allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed south on RT 9 in and out of moderate traffic. As they approached the intersection of RT 9 and East / West Road, Powell was making a left turn in to the East / West Road to pick-up family members who were attending the concert. As Powell was making the left-turn through the intersection it appears that the traffic light had changed to yellow and by some witness accounts the motorcycles allegedly sped up to possibly beat the light. Thomas and the 2007 Yamaha, slammed in to the passenger side door and rear of the SUV and crashed to the ground. Mancini, with Preble on the back of the 2008 Victory, clipped the rear of the SUV, began fishtailing and lost control of the motorcycle. Mancini and Preble were ejected from the motorcycle. Mancini and Preble suffered arm, leg and facial injuries, they were treated at the scene and then both were transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Mancini and Preble have since been treated and released from Albany Medical Center. It is unknown the severity of their injuries and that information will be documented as part of the continuing investigation. Thomas, Mancini and Preble had attended the concert at SPAC.

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Saratoga Springs Police Department

5 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 584-1800 GREGORY J. VEITCH Chief of Police
Serving Since 1887

Assistant Chief of Police

Powell was treated at the scene and then transported to Saratoga Hospital with neck and back injuries. Powell has since been released from Saratoga Hospital. Route 9 South was reduced to one lane of traffic from 10:30pm until 2:30am for accident reconstruction. At this time the investigation is continuing, no tickets have been issued and will or will not be issued until the investigation is complete. We anticipate at least 4 weeks for toxicology results, accident reconstruction results, and computerized data from the vehicles to calculate actual speeds and vehicle operation just prior to and at the time of the accident. The police department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident, the operation of the motorcycles or SUV just prior to the accident, to contact us at 584-1800, and ask for Sgt. Tim Sicko or Sgt. Andrew Prestigiacomo.

Lt. John Catone Investigation Division

www.saratogapolice.org