New York State Tow Operator Struck and Killed by Repeat DWI Offender

A tow operator was struck and killed Thursday evening, September 15, on the I-87 Northway in Wilton, N.Y.

Alex W. Bleickhardt, 33, of Pottersville, was preparing to tow a disabled box truck at approximately 10:41 p.m. when a vehicle driven by Justin P. Rodriguez, 41, of Moreau, veered onto the road shoulder and struck the box truck, tow truck and Bleickhardt.

The operator was declared dead at the scene.

Bleickhardt worked for TowAway LLC in Hudson Falls.

Rodriguez, a repeat DWI offender with a permanently revoked license, is alleged to have been drunk at the time of the crash.  He was extricated from his vehicle and was taken to Albany Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. He was later released and charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and multiple vehicle and traffic violations.

State police are investigating the incident and request that anyone with information email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.