Orange County DA explains decision not to charge driver in crash that killed paramedic
Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler says responding police reported that Pablo Colector failed a field sobriety test and allegedly smelled of alcohol, but that tests taken at the scene turned up negative for drugs and alcohol.
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4h agoLoved ones wanted justice after Lisa Sillins was killed crossing Robinson Avenue in the city of Newburgh last month.
The Ambulunz paramedic was walking to her car after a shift when police said she was hit by a drunk driver. But on Wednesday, prosecutors revealed a much different version of events.
“The toxicology report shows no illicit drugs, no prescription drugs, and no alcohol," said Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler. "This has to be classified as an accident.”
Hoovler says responding police reported that Pablo Colector failed a field sobriety test and allegedly smelled of alcohol, but that tests taken at the scene turned up negative for drugs and alcohol.
“I understand how police reached those conclusions but obviously, the toxicology reports, scientific evidence goes against that," said Hoovler.
Prosecutors say surveillance video shows the White Plains man wasn’t speeding on Route 9W or driving erratically before the tragedy and because of the findings, Colector can't be charged or ticketed with any wrongdoing.
“People are very upset. Obviously, it’s hard to put those feelings down where you can think rationally," said Ashley Lurie, EMSPAC Hudson Valley Division Leader.
EMSPAC is an advocacy group that represents emergency medical technicians and supports their families - in this case, Sillins' mom, Ingrid.
“She is devastated and reeling," said Lurie. "Any kind of headway in this case would have been something for her. So, to not have that is certainly difficult.”
Lurie says friends and colleagues are now focusing their efforts to get a crosswalk installed and other safety upgrades put in at the intersection where Sillins was struck.
Advocates plan to protest at the corner of Robinson Avenue and North Street on the day Sillins died each month until a safety study is done and upgrades at the intersection are made.
An online fundraiser is hoping to help the paramedic's family.
