CHATHAM, New York — A late-night drive on I-90 ended with a crash into a rock embankment, a seriously injured passenger, and a blood alcohol reading more than double the legal limit.
Now, months later, the driver is facing a grand jury indictment — and eight criminal charges.
Nicholas Mottsey, 34, of Accord was indicted on May 15 following a months-long investigation into a crash that took place on October 29, 2025, at approximately 12:35 a.m.
What Happened on I-90
New York State Police at Thruway Kingston were called to a one-vehicle collision on I-90 eastbound near mile marker 14.5 in the Town of Chatham.
Mottsey was behind the wheel of a 2004 Toyota, with a 33-year-old woman from Kingston riding as a passenger.
The vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a rock embankment.
Both occupants were transported to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries.
Troopers Smelled Alcohol at the Scene
When troopers arrived, they detected the smell of alcohol coming from Mottsey.
A blood sample was later taken as part of the investigation.
The results showed Mottsey’s blood alcohol content was 0.17% — more than twice New York’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Months of Investigation Led to Indictment
The case was not wrapped up overnight.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of Livingston and the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit worked the case together over the following months.
Their findings led to a grand jury indictment on May 15.
Eight Charges Now Filed Against Mottsey
The grand jury indicted Mottsey on the following charges:
- Reckless endangerment in the first degree
- Assault in the second degree — recklessly causing serious physical injury with a weapon or instrument
- Vehicular assault in the second degree — operating a motor vehicle while impaired causing injury
- Reckless endangerment in the second degree
- Operating a motor vehicle with .08% or more alcohol in blood
- Driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
Arraigned and Released — For Now
Mottsey was arrested on May 15 following the indictment.
He appeared before Columbia County Court on May 18 for arraignment and was released on his own recognizance.
His next court date is set for June 22 at 9 a.m.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly one decision behind the wheel can change multiple lives — and how thoroughly New York State Police pursue accountability, even months after the fact.
Do you think charges like these carry strong enough consequences for drunk drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
