Police: Unlicensed Driver Caused Head-On Crash On Route 9

PHILIPSTOWN, NY — A Peekskill man who police accused of driving without a license while high on marijuana faces charges after a head-on car crash on Route 9.

The two-car crash took place north of the Route 301 intersection at 8:45 a.m. March 4.

Putnam Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Radovich said he saw two cars in the road when he arrived. Fire Department vehicles were also on the scene and EMTs were attending to the 37-year-old driver of a 2020 Jeep.

After speaking to the driver of the other car, 20-year-old Elvis Sangurima of Peekskill, Radovich concluded that Sangurima was traveling north on Route 9 in a 2011 Honda Pilot when his vehicle crossed the double yellow line and struck the Jeep, which was southbound.

The driver of the Jeep was transferred to a local hospital. The extent of her injuries is unknown, police said.

Sangurima, who complained of leg pain, was also taken to a nearby hospital, police said.

Police alleged a marijuana cigarette, a metal marijuana grinder, and 4 THC vape cartridges containing concentrated cannabis were recovered in the Honda Pilot.

Radovich charged Sangurima with Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs, a Misdemeanor; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, a Misdemeanor; Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a Violation; Driving without a License; and various traffic infractions.

Sangurima was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Philipstown Justice Court on a later date.

Besides the PCSO, other agencies responding to the crash were the North Highlands Fire Department, Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance, Garrison Volunteer Ambulance, and the New York State Police.