FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE: AUGUST 23, 2017
SUBJECT: PRESS RELEASE – KEVIN COYLE
On August 22, 2017, Kevin Coyle, of Gardiner, New York, age 34, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison on his conviction to Vehicular Assault in the First Degree. In addition, his New York State driver’s license was revoked.
Coyle pled guilty to Vehicular Assault in the First Degree in Ulster County Court, on June 20, 2017 regarding a June 7, 2015 incident. At approximately 3:30 in the afternoon on that date, Coyle was driving on Route 44/55 in the town of Gardiner while his ability to drive was impaired by his use of marihuana and oxycodone. In the vicinity of 2547 Route 44/55 Coyle’s vehicle crossed over the double yellow line and collided head on with the vehicle in the oncoming lane of traffic. As a result of this collision the driver of the other vehicle, a thirty-six year old Gardiner man, and his twenty-three month old daughter, both suffered serious injuries. The infant, who was secured in a rear facing car seat at the time of the crash, sustained a skull fracture for which she is still receiving treatment. An independent eyewitness, who had been behind Coyle’s car for several miles, indicated that Coyle’s car was driving erratically and had crossed the double yellow line multiple times before causing the head on collision.
The victims spoke at sentencing of how their lives have been impacted by the defendant’s decision to drive while impaired by drugs. While detailing the hardships that their family has faced as a result of the crash, and outlining the devastating consequences that these types of crimes can have, they also expressed to the defendant that they hope that he gets the help that he needs.
Assistant District Attorney Lisa Bondarenka is prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Andrew Kossover.