ALBANY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- A state trooper involved in a Hudson Valley pursuit that led to the death of an 11-year-old girl was part of two previous chases that also ended in collisions, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday.
On Dec. 22, 2020, a vehicle collision involving State Trooper Christopher Baldner and another car on I-87 in Ulster County caused the death of Monica Goods, 11 of Brooklyn.
Goods was in the passenger seat of a Dodge Journey when Baldner tried to pull over the vehicle’s driver for speeding.
Police said instead of stopping, Tristan Goods, 39, fled the scene. Soon after, the SUV and state police vehicle collided, causing Goods’ vehicle to crash and overturn.
Monica Goods was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
This week, Hochul signed an executive order stating that Baldner “engaged in prior similar conduct on two occasions leading to two prior motor vehicle collisions” in 2017 and 2019 on I-87.
Additional details about the previous cases weren’t provided.
The executive order allows state Attorney General Letitia James, the special prosecutor in the original case, to investigate and possibly dole out charges related to the incidents.
The 2020 case will be put before an Ulster County grand jury, where charges will be considered. Those involved in the earlier incidents will be called to present in the case.
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