NEW WINDSOR – No criminal charges will be lodged in connection with the October 21, 2020 fatal three vehicle crash in New Windsor involving a Washingtonville Central School bus, a commercial tree service truck and a BMW sedan.
The driver of the bus, Andrew Sanchez, died from injuries sustained in the collision on Route 207. A six-year-old girl on the bus was injured when the driver of the commercial truck crossed into the path of the bus.
New Windsor Police conducted a two-month investigation into the incident when the truck, driven by Ian Jennings, 25, of Grahamsville, crashed into the bus.
Toxicology results from the State Police lab determined that alcohol and drugs were not factors and investigators ruled out excessive speed and mechanical failure on the part of the truck., Police also determined Jennings was not using his cell phone nor did he suffer any type of medical event just prior to the crash.
Jennings was cited for two violations of state vehicle and traffic law including failure to keep right and failure to wear a seatbelt.
“As a result of our investigation, it was determined we do not have evidence to support any criminal charges in this case,” said New Windsor Police Chief Robert Doss. “It comes down to this being a case of a driver that was inattentive behind the wheel. Whether Mr. Jennings was drowsy or distracted by something in or around the vehicle he was operating we will never know.”
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler commended the New Windsor and State Police for their “diligence and thoroughness” in the investigation.
“The tragic consequences of this collision are no doubt most keenly felt by the family and friends of the deceased, the severely injured six-year-old girl and her family and friends,” Hoovler said. “The whole community is saddened by their loss. Although there was no finding of criminal liability in this case, my office has assigned an experienced assistant district attorney to prosecute the summonses which were issued.”
