State police patrol vehicle and SUV involved in I-81 crash in Watertown
State police are investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a state police patrol vehicle, which occurred on I-81 north near exit 44 in the town of Watertown.
On Dec. 17, 2018, at approximately 11:23 a.m., Trooper Nicholas Morgia was operating a 2018 Dodge Charger (a marked state police vehicle) and was stopped on the east shoulder of the northbound lane on I-81, in the town of Watertown.
Morgia had cleared a traffic stop and entered the northbound driving lane with the emergency lights activated in an attempt to cross over the northbound passing lane of traffic on I-81 in order to proceed through U-Turn No. 35.
A 2015 Hyundai operated by Madison L. Gordinier, 18, from Ellisburg, was northbound on I-81 in the left lane when she struck the driver’s side of the state police vehicle.
Gordinier was transported to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown with non-life-threatening injuries. Morgia was not injured in the crash.
The investigation continues.