Shandaken Man Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter

On August 25, 2015 the New York State Police in Kingston investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident  on State Route 28 in Shokan, NY. Investigation revealed that a 2001 Toyota Sienna minivan being operated by DANNY H. GRIFFIN was travelling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2008 Subaru Imprezza being operated by DOLORES FALKOWSKI head on. FALKOWSKI died of her injuries while enroute to the Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, NY. GRIFFIN was also transported to the Health Alliance Hospital for treatment of non-lifethreatening injuries.

An exhaustive investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office revealed that GRIFFIN was operating the 2001 Toyota Sienna while under the influence of Fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opiate derived controlled substance 50 times more powerful than heroin. Found inside the vehicle of GRIFFIN were a large number of used hypodermic needles, heroin, and pipes used to smoke crack cocaine. The case was presented to an Ulster County Grand Jury who indicted GRIFFIN for Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd Degree, a class D Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, a class A Misdemeanor.

GRIFFIN was arraigned before the Honorable DONALD WILLIAMS in Ulster County Court where he was remanded to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail.