Utica Man Arrested After Multi-Vehicle Collision

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BRIDGEWATER, NY – A Utica man was arrested after a high-speed chase led to a multi-vehicle collision on Route 8 in the Town of Bridgewater. The incident occurred on October 11, 2024, at approximately 5:23 PM when a Patrol Deputy observed a 2012 Volvo speeding south at 88 MPH in a 55 MPH zone while illegally passing a vehicle on the right.

The Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, driven by 23-year-old Jose Guevara, by activating emergency lights, but Guevara fled at a high speed. The Deputy initially terminated the pursuit but later encountered the same vehicle in heavy traffic in the Village of Bridgewater. Guevara again fled, this time recklessly passing several vehicles on the right by driving over a sidewalk, before crossing into the northbound lane and side-swiping a 2014 Infiniti driven by Crimercis Hernandez, 27, of Pennsylvania.

The impact forced Hernandez's Infiniti into a nearby parked 2023 Hyundai. A 2012 Honda, driven by Khinmaung OO, 28, of Utica, then struck both the Infiniti and Hyundai. Guevara’s vehicle became disabled a short distance down the road and came to a stop in a front yard, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Hernandez was uninjured, but four children in her vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported to Wynn Hospital. OO and two passengers also sustained minor injuries and were taken to Bassett Hospital for treatment.

Guevara was charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of unlawful fleeing a police officer in the 3rd degree, reckless endangerment, and seven counts of reckless assault. He also received 11 traffic tickets, ranging from speeding and reckless driving to equipment and moving violations. Guevara was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Town of Bridgewater Court.

Assisting agencies included the New York State Police, Bridgewater Fire Department, Bridgewater Ambulance, Edwards Ambulance, West Winfield Ambulance, and the Clayville Fire Department.