Crime & Safety

Dump Truck Strews Scrap Metal from CT to NJ

If you were wondering why there were scraps of metal strewn along I-95 this morning, here's why.

New York State Police report scrap metal dropped from a dump truck damaged more than 10 vehicles on New York roads before dawn this morning. 

On Tuesday April 8, 2014 around 2 a.m., State Police began receiving reports of disabled vehicles along the Thruway sections of I-95, I-287, and I-87 northbound.  Motorists involved reported striking metal debris which was all over the road and continued for miles.

Multiple State Police patrols and tow trucks responded to assist over 10 vehicles damaged in the incident.  No injuries were reported.

Troopers carefully followed the trail of debris which led them directly to the driver and vehicle responsible.

The preliminary investigation showed that John A. Robinson, 51, of Bridgeport, CT, was operating a yellow 1999 Kenworth dump truck, owned by Affordable Materials LLC out of Stamford, CT.  The vehicle was loaded with pieces of metal used in making transmission parts.

The truck was traveling on I-95 from Connecticut into New York when the rear gate opened and began spilling metal debris onto the road. The driver continued north on I-87 and on to Rt. 17 into New Jersey where he stopped on his own.  It was there that New York State Police and Mahwah, New Jersey Police Department caught up with him.

Troopers charged Robinson with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree, due to having seven suspensions in New York on his Connecticut license.  He was also charged with a log book violation, and failing to secure the cargo he was hauling, which are unclassified misdemeanors.

The dump truck gate was secured and the truck was removed by the owner.  Robinson was released to another driver with tickets returnable to the Town of Ramapo Court later this month.

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Emergency crews worked in the cleanup efforts of over 30 miles of roadway which included sections of I-95 in both Connecticut and NY, I-287, and I-87.


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