CRAIG D. APPLE SR.

ACTING SHERIFF

PAUL M. COURCELLE
CHIEF DEPUTY

WILLIAM C. COX
UNDERSHERIFF

MATTHEW J. CAMPBELL
CHIEF DEPUTY

ALBANY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

COUNTY COURT HOUSE ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207 (518) 487-5400 FAX: (518) 487-5037 WWW.ALBANYCOUNTYSHERIFF.COM

PRESS RELEASE - Monday December 19, 2011

Announced Saturation Patrols - Goal to reduce tragedies around the Holidays Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple and Albany County STOP-DWI Administrator Lieutenant Kerry B. Thompson today announce the results of the recent countywide STOP-DWI enforcement crackdown. This effort was made to coincide with the many holiday parties that take place this time of year. This saturation patrol began at 7:00PM Friday, December 16, 2011 and was completed Sunday, at 5:00AM December 18, 2011. Sheriff Apple announced this saturation patrol in advance to educate the public on the dangers of drinking and driving with the hopes that everyone would make the right decision to use a designated driver or call a taxi to get home safely. This blanket patrol was held in honor of Crystal R. VanEpps (21) of Colonie and her unborn baby, who lost their lives as a result of a crash that occurred on October 29, 2010 on Lishakill Road in Colonie. In that case, Crystal VanEpps was riding as a passenger in a car that was operated by her boyfriend Timothy Reichel (31) of Colonie. Reichel was convicted after trial of second degree manslaughter and was sentenced Friday to 7 to 15 years in prison. During this enforcement wave, law enforcement agencies throughout the county were out in full force in an attempt to reduce the incidence of drunk driving to ensure the safety of our roadways. This most recent effort resulted in 17 arrests for motorists allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The enforcement period also resulted in 648 traffic stops with 333 citations being issued for a variety of violations. There were also 73 designated drivers reporting that they were transporting intoxicated individuals. A saturation patrol held during a similar time frame in 2009 resulted in 655 stops, 13 arrested for DWI, 266 citations issued and 42 designated drivers being reported. Also, on December 17th at approximately 12:33AM a Sheriffs Lt. observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Brevator St. in the City of Albany, the speed of the vehicle was confirmed by radar at 70mph in 30mph. The Vehicle continued down Brevator to Western Ave. failed to stop for red light, then headed west on Western Ave in the east bound lane. Then onto Russell road after failing to stop for red light at western and Russell. Then traveled on several other side streets before stopping on Euclid Ave and Greenway. At times the vehicle speed was in excess of 90 mph and failed to stop for several stop signs. Once the vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Avalon, was stopped the driver was identified as Stephen J. Koenig age 29, DOB 07/18/82. Also in the vehicle were two passengers. Koenig appeared to be intoxicated, field sobriety test were performed (HGN, One leg stand and walk and turn). Koenig was returned to the patrol station for processing where it was learned that he had a prior DWI conviction in July of 2008. The defendant was also found to be in possession of 29 Alprazolam pills, a controlled substance. PL 120.25 RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT-1ST N 2 PL 220.03 CRIM POSS CONTRL SUBST-7TH N 1 VTL 1192 02 OPER MV BAC .08 OF 1% -PRIOR N 1 VTL 1192 03 DWI-PREV CONVICTION IN 10 YRS N 1 VTL 1212 RECKLESS DRIVING N 1 VTL 1180 0D SPEED VIOL : SPEED IN ZONE And other V&T violations