FROM: CHIEF JOSEPH SINAGRA
DISTRICT ATTORNEY HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 17, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V. JOHN TYLER KUHN
On this date, John Tyler Kuhn pleaded guilty in Ulster County Court to the Class C felony of Aggravated Vehicular Assault and the Class A misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated.
At the time of his plea, Mr. Kuhn admitted to being the driver of a vehicle that, on January 6th, 2019, was involved in a one car crash which occurred on Route 32 in the town of Saugerties. The collision resulted in catastrophic injuries to two other passengers. A forth passenger was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.
An investigation by the Town of Saugerties Police Department with assistance from the New York State Police and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Mr. Kuhn was driving at a high rate of speed when he ignored a double yellow line and attempted to pass a vehicle. While passing, he was forced to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. In so doing, Kuhn lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. The collision caused two passengers to be ejected from the vehicle. Kuhn sustained facial lacerations but was otherwise uninjured.
During today’s plea proceedings, Mr. Kuhn admitted to consuming alcohol to the point of intoxication on the morning of the crash. He acknowledged driving recklessly while intoxicated, and that his recklessness and intoxication resulted in the serious physical injuries sustained by two of his passengers.
The matter is scheduled for sentencing on July 19th, 2019 in Ulster County Court before Judge Donald A. Williams.