The trial against a Massachusetts man charged with driving high on marijuana and causing the death of a state police trooper continued Wednesday.
On the third day of the trial, a New York Police Department sergeant who witnessed the crash recalled the moments before Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thomas Clardy was killed.
"He was on, like, an angle, darting over, and as he hit the shoulder, he kind of straightened himself out," NYPD Sgt. Thomas Sorrentino said of the Nissan Maxima driven by David Njuguna of Webster.
Sorrentino testified Wednesday that he was driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton in March 2016 when he saw a Nissan Maxima suddenly shift from the left lane all the way over to the breakdown lane, heading right for Clardy's stopped cruiser.
"It was enough time for me to have thoughts in my head of, 'Why is this car traveling on the breakdown at this rate of speed, pretty much heading toward the state trooper,'" said Sorrentino, who watched helplessly as the car driven by Njuguna of Webster slammed into the unmarked cruiser.
He says he pulled over with a handful of other good Samaritans who tried to save Clardy's life.
"I remember telling him, 'I've got to get to his radio because I've got to summon assistance,' and he told me he was an off-duty firefighter, I told him I was an off-duty cop," said Sgt. Sorrentino. "And then a female showed up and she said she was a nurse."
Despite three trained first responders being on the scene in moments, Clardy did not survive.
Three years later, forensic scientists testified about four pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes allegedly found in Njuguna’s car.
"This one is partially burnt on one end," said forensic scientist Christine Tyson.
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THC was allegedly found in his blood, as well.
Testimony continues Thursday, when we're expected to hear more from state police and accident reconstructionists.
