Schenectady, NY -*On Tuesday, the Schenectady Police Department responded to an accident on the 600 block of Orchard Street at approximately 8:06 a.m. A City of Schenectady garbage truck backed into a worker loading trash, temporarily pinning him between the vehicle and a pole.
The injured worker was transported to Albany Medical Center and has undergone surgery for his injuries. Following the incident, officers conducted an investigation.
The truck’s driver, identified as 51-year-old Robert L. Thomas from Schenectady, was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated, both with a blood alcohol content over 0.08 and a general offense, as well as backing unsafely.
Thomas was released on appearance tickets and is no longer employed by the city. The victim’s name has not been disclosed, and he remains in recovery at the hospital.