The family of a retired NYPD officer and longtime Washingtonville police mentor who was killed in a head-on crash on State Route 17 in Sullivan County earlier this year has filed a lawsuit seeking accountability for his death. The suit names multiple individuals and companies, alleging negligence and systemic failure that led to the tragic collision.
Tragic Crash Claims Life of Officer Jose Santiago
Jose Santiago, 65, was driving his 2021 Hyundai on March 22, 2024, when it was struck head-on by a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter van on Route 17 between Exits 112 and 113 in Mamakating. According to New York State Police, the driver of the van, Robert Cromer, 62, of Liberty, allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the center median, and slammed into Santiago’s vehicle.
Santiago, a retired NYPD officer and part-time officer with the Village of Washingtonville Police Department, died at the scene. His wife, Blanca Santiago, 64, was also seriously injured in the crash. Santiago was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a mentor to young officers in the region.
Lawsuit Filed Against Driver and Employers
Filed earlier this month in Orange County Supreme Court by attorney Joseph O’Connor, the lawsuit names Robert Cromer, Abdelaziz Benadin (the vehicle’s lessee), and three associated businesses:
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Black Seed Herb, Inc.
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Sweet Sunnah Black Seed Herbals, Inc.
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Natures Recommendation, Inc.
O’Connor, representing Richard Santiago, administrator of the estate of Jose Santiago, claims Cromer acted with negligence, recklessness, and carelessness. The suit alleges that Cromer’s employers were equally at fault for failing to properly vet or train him.
O’Connor stated in the complaint that the companies were negligent in hiring and continuing to employ Cromer, whom he described as “inept, incompetent, and/or unskilled.” He further argued that Cromer had a criminal history that should have disqualified him from operating a vehicle in a commercial or professional capacity.
Claim Filed Against New York State DOT
In addition to the lawsuit against Cromer and his employers, O’Connor also filed a notice of claim against the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT)—a required first step toward suing a government entity.
The claim asserts that the guardrail in the Route 17 median was damaged and inadequately maintained, allowing Cromer’s van to cross into oncoming traffic.
“The State of New York and the DOT affirmatively knew that the guardrail was damaged and knocked down for a significant period of time before this accident and did not take the necessary steps to repair it,” O’Connor wrote.
A State Police accident report supported this claim, stating that Cromer drove over an already downed/damaged guide rail before the fatal impact occurred.
A Legacy of Service
Jose Santiago served in the NYPD for over 20 years, retiring in 2001. Afterward, he continued his service to the community as a part-time officer with the Town of Mount Hope and Village of Montgomery before joining Washingtonville, where he served for 13 years.
Described by colleagues as respected and generous, Santiago was deeply embedded in the community and admired for mentoring younger officers during his years of service.
Legal Proceedings Moving Forward
As of now, the lawsuit and claim against the DOT are in the early stages. The family of Jose Santiago seeks both justice and accountability for what they believe was a preventable tragedy, caused by both individual negligence and government oversight.
O’Connor has not disclosed the specific amount of damages sought but indicated that the legal action aims to bring light to systemic failures that could endanger others if left unaddressed.
The case remains under review as the legal process unfolds, with the Santiago family continuing to mourn the loss of a beloved officer and patriarch.
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