A Greenfield man faces multiple charges, accused of driving while impaired with alcohol and drugs, and striking a home with his vehicle.
On February 1, 2023, at about 2:29 a.m. Troopers observed a vehicle on Geyser Road in Milton, NY, violating the Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Troopers followed the vehicle, whose operator was later identified as Joel M. Burgess, 43. He attempted to turn onto Stone Church Road but failed to navigate the turn, exited the roadway struck a utility pole then a nearby home.
According to state police, Burgess then exited the vehicle and fled into the woods. With the assistance of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Burgess was located and arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Ability Impaired by Drugs. Burgess was evaluated by EMS and transported to Saratoga Hospital for further evaluation. Upon further investigation drugs were discovered in Burgess’s vehicle.
State Police of Saratoga arrested Burgess, 43, charging him with Driving While Intoxicated and Ability Impaired by Drugs, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree and other Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations.
Burgess was uncooperative and refused to provide a sample to determine the drug and alcohol content of his blood, according to state police. Upon being released from the hospital, Burgess was transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Milton Town Court on February 21, 2023, and released.