Driver in Saugerties fatal accident, arrested on Manslaughter charges

From Saugerties Police:

Date of Arrest: March 1, 2017

On March 2, 2017 at 1:30pm John A. Playford 21 of Mower Mill Road Saugerties was arrested by Saugerties Police Detectives and charged with the Class C Felony of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree and two counts of Misdemeanor Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree. Based on the police investigation and the results of forensic testing, police have established that Playford was operating a 2003 Jeep Cherokee while under the influence of alcohol (Blood Alcohol Content being more than two time over the legal limit) at the time of the crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, 22 year old Jacob Sweeny of Saugerties. Playford was arraigned in the Town of Saugerties Court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

Date of Incident: January 31, 2017

The Saugerties Police department is currently investigating a one car motor vehicle crash that occurred on state route 32 in the Town of Saugerties, resulting in the death of a 22 year old resident.

At 3:25 am Tuesday morning, Saugerties Police responded for a reported motor vehicle accident on State Route 32, adjacent to the Saxton Fire House.

Preliminary investigation has established that a 2003 Jeep Cherokee, operated by John A Playford, 21 of Mower Mill Road Saugerties, was traveling south on S/R 32 when Playford failed to stay on the roadway, running off the west side of the roadway, striking an utility pole, and then a house located at 3843 route 32. The impact caused extensive damage to the structure. The vehicle then continued to cross a driveway and flipped over coming to rest on its roof. A passenger in Playford’s vehicle, identified as 22 year old Jacob Sweeny of Saugerties, was ejected from the vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries.

Saugerties Police are continuing their investigation with assistance from the New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, Forensic Investigation Unit and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Police were also assisted at the scene by members from the Saxton Fire Department, Centerville Cedar Gove Fire Department and DIAZ Ambulance.


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