QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (AP) - A man who authorities say caused a fatal high-speed collision as he fled from police in his pickup truck in northern New York has pleaded not guilty.
The Post-Star reports 30-year-old Skyler Crouse pleaded not guilty Monday to a 12-count manslaughter and assault indictment in the death of 38-year-old Joseph Turcotte.
Police say Turcotte, of Brant Lake, died at the scene when his pickup was slammed from behind on an Adirondack Northway exit ramp by Crouse’s vehicle Sept. 26.
According to newly released court records, Crouse told police he was “mentally insane and on drugs” shortly after the crash. A police expert confirmed he was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Crouse faces up to 25 years in state prison on the charge of first-degree assault.
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