New Paltz Police arrested Amy B. Ashkenas, 49, of New Paltz, and charged her with leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident that took place Sunday, Sept. 11.
The accident happened at around 6:25 p.m. on Rt. 299 near Butterville Rd. Witnesses said the cyclist, a 25-year-old female, was riding westbound when a red Jeep traveling the same direction hit her from behind. The cyclist was thrown from the bike and landed in a wooded area on the north side of the road. Witnesses said the driver exited her vehicle, walked back to the cyclist, then returned to her vehicle and fled.
The cyclist was air lifted to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries. Police did not release her name, but a GoFundMe page posted Tuesday, Sept. 13 identified the victim as Gabriela O’Shea, and includes further details about her condition. Nearly $20,000 was pledged in a matter of hours to assist her family with medical bills.
Gabriela O’Shea (GoFundMe)
Ms. Ashkenas turned herself in to the New Paltz Police after consulting with Berwyn injury lawyers. She was arrested and arraigned by Town Justice James B. Bacon and released on her own recognizance.
The investigation is continuing and anyone who may have witnessed the accident or have information about the suspect is asked to contact the New Paltz Police Department at (845) 255-1323. All calls will be kept confidential.
At least the driver turned herself in…belatedly. The driver who hit me while I was biking last October on rte. 208 never even stopped. Texting, drinking, speeding?…I sustained a fractured pelvis and major road rash (thankfully recovered pretty quickly)…I hope miss O’Shea comes makes it through as well.