New York State Office of the Attorney General

Special Investigations and

Prosecutions Unit

Report on the Investigation into

the Death of Gerard Roldan III

Letitia James
NYS Attorney General
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On July 8, 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order No. 147 (the
“Executive Order”), appointing the Attorney General as special prosecutor “to investigate, and if
warranted, prosecute certain matters involving the death of an unarmed civilian . . . caused by a
law enforcement officer.” On November 9, 2018, Gerard Roldan III (“Mr. Roldan”) was struck
by a marked police vehicle operated by Patrolman Christopher Sniffen (“Ptl. Sniffen”) of the
Cobleskill Police Department (“CPD”). Governor Cuomo subsequently issued Executive Order
No. 147.21, expressly conferring jurisdiction on the Attorney General to investigate any potential
unlawful acts or omissions related to Mr. Roldan’s death.

Ptl. Sniffen was on routine patrol shortly before 10:00 pm, driving eastbound on State
Route 7, in the Village of Cobleskill (Schoharie County). The stretch of road on which Ptl. Sniffen
was driving is a two-lane commercial roadway, lighted at night, and with a speed limit of 30 mph.
Light rain was falling; there was very little traffic on the roadway. A Jeep, with a Pizza Hut sign
mounted on its roof, passed Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle (an SUV), going westbound, and Ptl. Sniffen’s
radar device indicated that that the Jeep was travelling at over 40 mph. Ptl. Sniffen then, in his
mirror, observed the Jeep run through a red light at a traffic-light-controlled crosswalk further
down the roadway. Ptl. Sniffen proceeded a short distance and then made a u-turn, with the
intention of conducting a car stop of the Jeep. In order to catch up to the Jeep, Ptl. Sniffen increased
his own speed, up to (ultimately) between 53 and 63 mph. He did not activate his lights or sirens.

Shortly after passing through the same traffic light that the Jeep had run (the light was now
green), and about 120 yards beyond the traffic-light-controlled crosswalk, Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle
struck Mr. Roldan, who had apparently been crossing the roadway. Mr. Roldan – a 26-year-old
resident of the village, known to Ptl. Sniffen – was wearing a black knit hat, gray sweatshirt, black
pants, and brown boots, and was not in a crosswalk. Ptl. Sniffen had not seen Mr. Roldan until just
before striking him. Ptl. Sniffen immediately stopped his vehicle, radioed to central dispatch that
he had struck a pedestrian and called for an ambulance, then exited his vehicle to attend to Mr.
Roldan, who was lying unresponsive in the roadway. Ptl. Sniffen checked Mr. Roldan for a pulse
and, finding none, soon began performing CPR on Mr. Roldan; he (and at least one other
emergency responder) continued to do so until paramedics arrived and took over. Mr. Roldan was
transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Office of the Attorney General’s investigation and review of this matter included the
following, among other materials:
• Review of all records relating to the incident generated by the CPD;
• Review of Collision Reconstruction Report, prepared by Collision Reconstruction Unit
of the New York State Police;
• Interviews of Ptl. Sniffen, CPD Patrolman Cody Whittaker (“Ptl. Whittaker”), who
arrived on scene immediately after the collision, and CPD Sergeant Justin Manchester
(“Sgt. Manchester”), supervisor on scene;
• Review of body camera footage from Ptl. Sniffen, and dashboard camera and body
camera footage from Ptl. Whittaker;
• Review of CPD radio transmissions related to the incident;
• Review of toxicology reports on Ptl. Sniffen’s blood;
1
 • Review of records from the responding ambulance company, American Medical
Response;
• Review of statements from first responders;
• Review of records from Cobleskill Regional Hospital;
• Personal inspection of the location of the incident;
• Review of the Autopsy Report of Mr. Roldan, prepared by Dr. Michael Sikirica;
• Review of CPD General Order on “Emergency Driving,” effective at time of incident.
Ptl. Sniffen may arguably be faulted for driving substantially above the speed limit without
having activated his lights and sirens when he struck and killed Mr. Roldan. However, Ptl. Sniffen
was not impaired by drugs or alcohol, distracted by a cell phone, or engaged in otherwise
blameworthy conduct. Mr. Roldan was in a part of the roadway not marked for pedestrian crossing,
and was wearing clothing that greatly minimized his visibility. Under New York law, Ptl. Sniffen’s
conduct did not rise to the level of criminal culpability. For this reason, the OAG has determined
that criminal charges are not appropriate in this matter.

STATEMENT OF FACTS 1

A. Collision

State Route 7 (also known as East Main Street) in the vicinity of the intersection with
Legion Drive in the Village of Cobleskill is a two-lane road, running east-west. It is lined with
commercial establishments, mostly set back off the road and bordered by parking lots. The
roadway is illuminated at night with streetlamps. 2 The street has a posted speed limit of 30 mph.
A map of the general area is below.

1
None of the material described in this report was obtained using Grand Jury subpoenas.
2
The streetlamp in the immediate area where the collision subsequently took place, however, was later determined
not to have been working that evening.

2
 On the evening of November 9, 2018, at approximately 9:58 p.m., Ptl. Sniffen was on
vehicle patrol in a marked SUV, driving alone eastbound on State Route 7 near the intersection
with Trestle Lane. 3 Light rain was falling. Traffic along the roadway was minimal. A Jeep with a
Pizza Hut sign mounted on its roof passed Ptl. Sniffen, travelling westbound on Route 7.
According to Ptl. Sniffen, a radar device in his vehicle indicated that the Jeep was travelling at 42
mph. Monitoring the Jeep in his mirror, Ptl. Sniffen then observed the Jeep run through a steady
red light at Legion Avenue. Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle continued a short distance along Route 7, then
made a u-turn in the area of Trestle Lane, with the intention of catching up with and stopping the
Jeep for the traffic violations. After completing the u-turn, Ptl. Sniffen – now heading westward –
could see the Jeep ahead of him, with no other cars between his vehicle and the Jeep.

Prior to Ptl. Sniffen’s making his u-turn, another CPD officer, Ptl. Cody Whittaker had
also been travelling eastward along State Route 7, some distance ahead of Ptl. Sniffen.4 He too
had been passed by the westward-heading Pizza Hut Jeep, and – although Ptl. Whitaker’s vehicle
did not have a radar device – he also believed the Jeep to be exceeding the speed limit. Ptl.
Whittaker also recognized the Jeep as a vehicle with which the CPD had previously had had issues.
Ptl. Whitaker continued to Burgin Drive and began to make a u-turn, with the intention of stopping
the Jeep, when he observed what he recognized to be Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle further west down
Route 7, likewise making a u-turn. Via car-to-car radio, Ptl. Whittaker contacted Ptl. Sniffen to
ask if Ptl. Sniffen would be going after the Jeep; 5 at this point, having completed his u-turn, Ptl.
Whitaker continued westward to provide any needed assistance to Ptl. Sniffen.

By this time, Ptl. Sniffen had begun to speed up his vehicle to catch the Jeep, closing to
within (by Ptl. Sniffen’s estimate) approximately 500 feet. Ptl. Sniffen did not activate his lights
or sirens, but says that his headlights were on.6 His speed ultimately reached between 53 and
63 mph.7 He passed through the (now-green) light at Legion Drive, and continued approximately
120 yards further west – to a point in front of the Save-a-Lot store on the north side of Route 7 –
before a pedestrian (Mr. Roldan) appeared directly in front of him, apparently crossing from the
south to the north side of Route 7. Ptl. Sniffen says that Mr. Roldan appeared so suddenly that
he had no time either to take evasive maneuvers or even apply the brakes before striking Mr.
Roldan.

3
Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle was not equipped with a dashboard camera.
4
Ptl. Whitaker’s vehicle was equipped with a dashboard camera, and some of the below-described activity is
captured in video footage from that camera.
5
It is Ptl. Sniffen’s recollection that he confirmed via car-to-car radio that he would be going after the Jeep; Ptl.
Whittaker did not recall Ptl. Sniffen responding. The direct car-to-car communication system uses a frequency that
is not audio recorded, so this exchange is not preserved.
6
Whether Ptl. Sniffen’s headlights were turned on in the immediate run-up to the collision cannot be definitively
confirmed, although they are clearly illuminated in body-worn camera footage from directly after the collision.
7
This range of speeds was later calculated by an investigator from the Crash Reconstruction Unit of the New York
State Police (NYSP), as discussed below.

3
 B. Post-Collision

Immediately after the collision, Ptl. Sniffen brought his vehicle to a halt, radioed to central
dispatch that he had struck a pedestrian and required medical assistance on the scene, 8 turned on
his emergency lights, and activated his body-worn camera. 9 He exited his vehicle and located Mr.
Roldan – dressed in a grey sweatshirt and dark-colored pants – unresponsive in the roadway several
feet in front of the vehicle. Ptl. Sniffen recognized Mr. Roldan from the community, and attempted
to speak to him; he also checked Mr. Roldan’s neck for a pulse but felt none.

By that time, Ptl. Whitaker – who had observed Ptl.’s Sniffen’s brake lights and then his
emergency lights come on ahead of him and heard Ptl. Sniffen’s radio transmission – arrived at
the scene with his own emergency lights on. Ptl. Whitaker pulled his vehicle past Ptl. Sniffen’s
vehicle and past what he observed to be a person lying in the roadway, activated his own body-
worn camera, 10 then exited his vehicle to assist Ptl. Sniffen. Upon being informed that the victim
had no pulse, Ptl. Whittaker checked his vehicle for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
but could not locate one. (Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle also had no AED.) At this time, approximately two
minutes after the collision, Ptl. Sniffen began to perform CPR on Mr. Roldan.

Within minutes of Ptl. Sniffen’s radio call, an off-duty firefighter – who lived nearby and
heard the incident come over his personal scanner – arrived on the scene; after about one minute
of CPR on Ptl. Sniffen’s part, the firefighter took over the lifesaving efforts. Mr. Roldan remained
unresponsive throughout. Additional CPD officers arrived on the scene and began securing the
area. Approximately seven minutes after the collision, an ambulance pulled up and paramedics
took charge of Mr. Roldan. They determined that he was in cardiac arrest; defibrillator pads were
placed on Mr. Roldan’s chest, but the AED signaled that a shock was not called for. CPR
was resumed, then Mr. Roldan was loaded into the ambulance and administered oxygen and
epinephrine. Mr. Roldan was transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital, arriving at about 10:20
pm. Doctors there performed advanced life-saving protocols, but were unable to revive Mr.
Roldan. He was pronounced dead at 10:50 pm.

C. Investigation

Sergeant Justin Manchester (“Sgt. Manchester”), supervisor of Ptl. Sniffen and Ptl.
Whittaker, arrived on the scene at approximately 10:20 pm, after having been contacted by Ptl.
Whittaker. (As discussed below, he subsequently transported Ptl. Sniffen back to the CPD station
house before returning to the scene.) Sgt. Manchester notified CPD Chief Richard Bialkowski,
who also came to the scene. Chief Bialkowski contacted several senior officers of the New York
State Police (“NYSP”), who responded to the scene as well. That same evening, Chief Bialkowski
requested that the NYSP conduct an independent investigation of the incident, including a

8
Ptl. Sniffen radioed, “I just hit a pedestrian in front of Save-a-lot. Send fire and EMS this way.” This
communication was audio recorded and captured as well on Ptl. Sniffen’s body-worn camera.
9
Much of the subsequent below-described activity is captured in video footage from Ptl. Sniffen’s body-worn
camera.
10
Much of the subsequent below-described activity is captured in video footage from Ptl. Whittaker’s body-worn
camera.

4
reconstruction of the collision. The CPD ultimately provided the NYSP with body-camera and
dashboard video, CPD paperwork, and other relevant materials in its possession for this purpose.

On the night of the incident, NYSP investigators took depositions from Ptl. Sniffen and
Ptl. Whittaker, and over the following months, reviewed the materials provided by the CPD and
independently conducted further interviews and gathered additional evidence. NYSP crash
reconstruction experts were called to the scene less than two hours after the incident to begin its
analysis. Investigator Jeremy Shultis of the Collision Reconstruction Unit photographed the
location; checked the roadway for defects and lighting issues; and took note of physical evidence.
Among the items of evidence recovered on the roadway were the gray sweatshirt that had been cut
off of Mr. Roldan by emergency medical personnel, as well as a black knit cap, a black backpack,
and brown boots that Mr. Roldan had apparently been wearing. 11 The Collision Reconstruction
Unit also subsequently examined the recovered evidence as well as the (damaged) vehicle driven
by Ptl. Sniffen.

D. Analysis of Ptl. Sniffen’s Blood and Cell Phone

At approximately 10:35 pm, Sgt. Manchester transported Ptl. Sniffen back to the precinct,
where Ptl. Sniffen voluntarily submitted to a prescreen alcohol test 12 administered by Sgt.
Manchester. According to Sgt. Manchester, the test returned a reading of 0% alcohol in Ptl.
Sniffen’s system. Ptl. Sniffen was then transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital, where he
voluntarily submitted to having his blood drawn to test for the presence of alcohol and narcotics;
his blood sample was then turned over to an investigator from the NYSP. Toxicological analyses
conducted by a NYSP forensic scientist were negative for the presence of either alcohol or
narcotics (including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabinoids, fentanyl, methadone,
methamphetamine, opiates, oxycodone, phencyclidine, and others). 13

Ptl. Sniffen also voluntarily provided the NYSP with his personal cell phone. It was
examined by an investigator with the Computer Crimes Unit, which found no evidence that the
phone had been in use in the time period immediately prior to the collision.

E. Medical Examiner Report

On November 11, 2018, Dr. Michael Sikirica, chief Medical Examiner for Rensselaer
County, performed an autopsy of Mr. Roldan, on behalf of Schoharie County Coroner Donna
McGovern, at the Albany Medical Center. 14 Dr. Sikirica identified as the cause of death “multiple
severe traumatic blunt force injuries,” including injuries to the spine, brain, and internal organs;

11
The dark-colored pants Mr. Roldan had been wearing travelled to the hospital with him, and were subsequently
discarded.
12
Pre-screening devices are roadside tools used by law enforcement to test for the presence or absence of alcohol in
an individual’s system. The device does not store or otherwise preserve test results.
13
Copies of Ptl. Sniffen’s blood test results are attached as Exhibit 1.
14
A redacted copy of the final autopsy report is attached as Exhibit 2.

5
Dr. Sikirica also found the manner of death to be “accident.” Toxicological analysis also revealed
the presence of low levels of fentanyl and morphine, as well as marijuana compounds, in Mr.
Roldan’s blood.

F. New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Report

A report detailing the NYSP’s collision reconstruction findings in connection with the
death of Mr. Roldan was prepared by Inv. Shultis of the Collision Reconstruction Unit. 15 The
report reviewed features of the scene of the incident, evidence recovered there, the condition of
Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle, data from the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module, Mr. Roldan’s clothing and
personal property, the injuries to Mr. Roldan, available video footage, witness statements, among
other evidence. Inv. Shultis also conducted a series of mathematical analyses to determine the
minimum speed (53 mph) and maximum speed (63 mph) of Ptl. Sniffen’s vehicle at the time of
impact. Based on his review of the totality of evidence, Inv. Shultis concluded that “[t]he primary
cause of this collision was the pedestrian’s failure to yield to a vehicle upon a roadway, when
crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk. Additional contributing
factors on the part of Gerald Roldan III were dark attire, environmental conditions of rain and
darkness, drug involvement.”

LEGAL ANALYSIS

The New York Penal Law contains a number of statutes that may, in principle, apply when
the driver of a vehicle causes the death of another person. Some of these statutes, including most
murder statutes, require as an element of the crime that the driver specifically intended to cause
harm to the other person. Other statutes, including most vehicular manslaughter and vehicular
homicide statutes, require as an element that the driver be operating the vehicle with a suspended
license or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the case of Ptl. Sniffen, there is no
evidence at all to sustain charges of this nature. Morever, a review of New York law makes clear
that even though Ptl. Sniffen was significantly exceeding the posted speed limit at the time he
struck Mr. Roldan, he would not be found criminally culpable of reckless manslaughter or
criminally negligent homicide.

Under Penal Law 125.10, “A person is guilty of criminally negligent homicide when, with
criminal negligence, he causes the death of another person.” The meaning of “criminal negligence”
is set forth in Penal Law 15.05(4): “A person acts with criminal negligence with respect to a result
or to a circumstance described by a statute defining an offense when he fails to perceive a
substantial and unjustifiable risk that such result will occur or that such circumstance exists. The
risk must be of such nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation
from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.” Criminally
negligent homicide is a so-called “lesser included offense” of reckless manslaughter (a variety of
manslaughter in the second degree), of which a person is guilty under Penal Law 125.15(1) when
“[h]e recklessly 16 causes the death of another person.” In order for an individual to be guilty of

15
A copy of the collision reconstruction report is attached as Exhibit 3.

16
Under PL 15.05(3), “A person acts recklessly with respect to a result or to a circumstance described by a statute
defining an offense when he is aware of and consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that such

6
reckless manslaughter, that individual’s conduct must also satisfy all of the elements of the lesser
included offense. 17 Because Ptl. Sniffen’s conduct does not satisfy the elements of criminally
negligent homicide, as discussed below, the question of whether that same conduct constitutes
reckless manslaughter is moot.

There is a great deal of case law addressing the criminal culpability of individuals whose
driving results in someone’s death. That case law makes clear that to find a driver guilty of
criminally negligent homicide requires more than merely exceeding the legal speed limit, even
substantially exceeding the speed limit. Rather, “it takes some additional affirmative act by the
defendant to transform ‘speeding’ into ‘dangerous speeding’; conduct by which the defendant
exhibits the kind of ‘serious[ly] blameworth[y]’ carelessness whose ‘seriousness would be
apparent to anyone who shares the community's general sense of right and wrong’ (Boutin, 75
NY2d at 696 [citations omitted]),” People v. Cabrera, 10 N.Y.3d 370 (2008).

Thus, in the cases where we have considered the evidence sufficient to

establish criminally negligent homicide, the defendant has engaged in some
other ‘risk-creating’ behavior in addition to driving faster than the posted
speed limit (compare People v Haney, 30 NY2d 328, 284 NE2d 564, 333
NYS2d 403 [1972] [defendant was speeding on city street and failed to stop
at red light before killing pedestrian crossing street with green light in her
favor]; People v Soto, 44 NY2d 683, 376 NE2d 907, 405 NYS2d 434
[1978] [defendant, who was speeding and drag racing on city street, struck
and killed driver stopped at red light]; People v Ricardo B., 73 NY2d 228,
535 NE2d 1336, 538 NYS2d 796 [1989] [defendant was drag racing at
between 70 and 90 miles per hour on a busy metropolitan street, ran a red
light and struck vehicle crossing intersection with light in its favor]; People
v Loughlin, 76 NY2d 804, 807, 559 NE2d 656, 559 NYS2d 962
[1990] [intoxicated defendant was speeding on obstructed street under
construction in residential neighborhood in Queens]; People v Maher, 79
NY2d 978, 980, 594 NE2d 915, 584 NYS2d 421 [1992] [intoxicated
defendant drove at speeds of 50 to 100 miles per hour in 35 miles per hour
zone in Manhattan, disobeying several traffic signals]; People v Harris, 81
NY2d 850, 851-52, 613 NE2d 526, 597 NYS2d 620 [1993] [‘defendant,
while legally intoxicated, drove his motor vehicle in the dark of night from
a public highway into an unfamiliar farmer's field, accelerated at times to a
speed approximating 50 miles per hour, intermittently operated the vehicle
without headlights, and suddenly and forcefully drove through a hedgerow
of small trees and shrubs, not knowing what obstacles and dangers lurked
on the other side’]; People v Ladd, 89 NY2d 893, 894-95, 675 NE2d 1211,

result will occur or that such circumstance exists. The risk must be of such nature and degree that disregard thereof
constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.”
17
“Where the only culpable mental state required for the crime charged is that the proscribed conduct be performed
recklessly, any lesser offense consisting of criminally negligent, instead of reckless, performance of the same conduct
is deemed to constitute a lesser included offense.” CPL 220.20(1)(b)

7
 653 NYS2d 259 [1996] [intoxicated defendant driving on wrong side of a
foggy road at 4:30 a.m.], with People v Perry, 123 AD2d 492, 507 NYS2d
90 [4th Dept 1986], affd 70 NY2d 626, 512 NE2d 540, 518 NYS2d 957
[1987] [no criminal negligence present where defendant was driving
approximately 80 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone ‘on a rural
road, on a dark night,’ struck a utility pole, and killed two passengers;
defendant's ‘conduct . . . d(id) not constitute a gross deviation from the
ordinary standard of care held by those who share the community's general
sense of right and wrong’ (citations omitted)]). Ibid.

Cabrera went on to dismiss the criminally negligent homicide conviction of a driver who, carrying
multiple passengers in violation of his junior license status, had driven at an excessive speed along
a winding road – and ultimately crashed, causing the death of several of the passengers.

Given this case law, Ptl. Sniffen’s conduct does not satisfy the standard for criminal
negligent homicide. There appear to be no additional affirmative acts that exhibit serious
blameworthiness. Notably, Ptl. Sniffen submitted voluntarily to tests (including a blood test) for
both drugs and alcohol immediately after the incident, and they all came up negative. Likewise,
Ptl. Sniffen was determined not to have been using his cell phone at the time leading up to the
collision. In addition, under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Ptl. Sniffen was not in fact
prohibited from exceeding the speed limit for the purposes of stopping a vehicle that has committed
a traffic violation as long as that his driving did not otherwise create a dangerous situation. VTL
1104(a) and (b) specifically permit “the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when involved
in an emergency operation” 18 to “[e]xceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not
endanger life or property.” In other words, it does not appear that Ptl. Sniffen’s accelerating on an
apparently open road to catch up with another vehicle for the purpose of conducting a legal car
stop would violate the law; therefore, it would not constitute the kind of carelessness whose
seriousness would be “apparent to anyone who shares the community's general sense of right and
wrong.” People v. Haney, 30 N.Y.2d 328, 335 (1972). For these reasons, the Attorney General’s
Office has concluded that criminal charges are not appropriate in this case.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Although the OAG finds no criminal culpability in this case, this is not to suggest that the danger
associated with Ptl. Sniffen’s speeding could not have been mitigated if he had activated his lights
and sirens. At the time of the incident, however, CPD policy only required its officers to activate
lights and sirens when engaged in a vehicle “pursuit,” which was defined to include only instances
in which “the operator refuses to comply with a lawful directive to stop and…attempts to flee.” As
to the conduct in which Ptl. Sniffen engaged – increasing the speed of his vehicle to catch up with

18
VTL 101 defines “authorized emergency vehicle” to include “[e]very…police vehicle.” VTL 114-b defines
“emergency operation” as” [t]he operation…of an authorized emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is engaged
in…pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law.”

8
another vehicle for purposes of a car stop – the department had no written policy. The CPD has
since changed its policy to require lights and sirens even under the latter circumstances. 19

19
A copy of CPD’s current policy is attached as Exhibit 4.

9
EXHIBIT 1
EXHIBIT 2
FINAL AUTOPSY REPORT

CASE#: MS-18-607
OC-18-281 (Albany Medical Center)

DECEDENT: Gerard Roldan

DATE OF BIRTH:

PRONOUNCEMENT DATE: November 09, 2018

PRONOUNCEMENT TIME: 10:50 PM

DATE OF AUTOPSY: November 11, 2018, 8:30 AM

PLACE OF AUTOPSY: Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY

PROSECTOR: Michael Sikirica M.D.

ASSISTING: Ms. Sandra Marsh

CORONER: Ms. Donna McGovern, Schoharie County

Cause of Death: Multiple severe traumatic blunt force injuries

Manner of Death: Accident

 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 2

External Description

The body is received in a white plastic body pouch. There is a hospital

identification tag attached to the pouch listing the decedent's name and date of birth of

and listing a medical record number 1224871. The body is that of a 66 ½",

153 pound normally-developed, thin adult Caucasian male appearing the reported age

of 26 years with full rigor mortis and posterior fixed livor mortis. The body temperature

is cool to the touch after refrigeration. The general appearance of the body is of good

health and hygiene.

The body is received wearing a blue print hospital gown. There is no jewelry

present on the body or included with it. There are no clothing items included with the

body.

The scalp hair is short and brown in color measuring approximately ½" in

length. There is a brown beard and mustache. The eyes are open. The irides are

brown. The right and left pupils each measure 3 mm in diameter. The corneas are

clear and the sclerae and conjunctivae are unremarkable. The face is symmetric, and

the facial bones are intact to palpation. Injuries to the face and forehead region are

described under "Evidence of Injury." There is a small amount of brown vomitus type

material along the nostrils and oral cavity. There are no materials in the ears. The

teeth are natural and in fair condition but crooked and fractured along the upper

gumline. There is no acute injury to the lips, teeth or gums. The neck is free from

masses. There are no unusual marks or lesions on the skin of the neck. The larynx is

midline and the thyroid not palpable. The chest is of normal contour. The breasts are
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 3

those of an adult male. The abdomen is flat. The posterior torso shows only

abnormalities to be described under "Evidence of Injury." The upper extremities are

symmetric, and the fingernails are intact and show no foreign material. No clubbing or

cyanosis is noted. The external genitalia are those of a mature male. There is no

evidence of injury or abnormal secretions. The buttocks and anus are unremarkable.

The skin is white in color and smooth. There are no tattoos discernible. There is a

several cm ovoid burn type scar along the dorsal upper aspect of the right forearm.

There are no major surgical scars noted. There is no evidence of acute or chronic

intravenous narcotism. Passive motion of the head, neck and extremities reveals

fracturing of the distal left femur and right ankle. There is no unusual odor about the

body.

Evidence of Recent Medical Therapy

There is an endotracheal tube protruding outward from the oral cavity and

taped around the cheeks. There is an IV line inserted into the left antecubital area.

There is hospital identification bracelet on the left wrist listing the decedent's name and

date of birth. There is an intraosseous port inserted into the bony tissue of the right

upper calf. There is a hospital identification tag attached to the left great toe.
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 4

Evidence of Injury

There is an irregular zone of red abrasion injury extending along the lateral left

forehead and downward into the upper left temporal region measuring approximately

5.5 x 3 cm in size. There is a 2 cm laceration along the upper portion of the abrasion

field and an additional 11 mm laceration extending vertically within the lower portion of

the abrasion. There are several additional small linear abrasions along the lower edge

of the larger confluent lesion.

There are several small abrasions along the left posterior parietal scalp.

There is a small ovoid abrasion along the posterior left shoulder.

There is slight abrasion injury along the posterior left elbow.

There are small abrasions along the right lower lateral back.

There is a large 14 x 6 cm zone of yellow abrasion extending down along the

medial portion of the right chest and a smaller 6 x 3.5 cm zone of yellow abrasion along

the lower medial left chest.

There is a large field of individual red abrasions extending vertically along the

left hip and anterior lateral left thigh with a larger confluent red abrasion along the upper

border and a 5 x 1 cm vertical abrasion along the lower border.

There is a slight irregular red abrasion injury along the lateral left lower back.

There are dicing type abrasions over the dorsal distal portion of the left hand

and over the dorsal portion of several fingers.

 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 5

There is a 5 x 3 cm zone of pink ecchymosis injury along the medial right

antecubital area and a 2 x 1 cm pink ecchymosis along the upper medial right ventral

forearm.

There is slight abrasion injury on the dorsal right index finger and dorsal right

hand.

Present along the posterior lateral right hip area is an 8 x 5 cm red abrasion.

There is palpable fracturing of the distal left femur located approximately 20 ¼"

above the base of the left heel.

There are several red abrasions along the frontal portion of the left knee. The

more medial and superior measures 3 x 2 cm in size and there is a smaller 2 x 1.3 cm

red abrasion along a similar level along the lateral left upper knee. There is an

additional 4 x 3 cm red abrasion along the frontal lower portion of the left knee.

There is a somewhat diagonal appearing zone of red abrasion injury extending

across the frontal portion of the right knee and rising as it extends medially to laterally

and partially surrounding a 2 cm laceration along the frontal portion of the knee.

There are small ecchymoses and abrasions along the left medial ankle and

instep and abrasions along the top of all the toes of the left foot.

There is a palpable fracture of the right ankle located approximately 6 ½"

above the base of the right heel.

There is a small blue ecchymosis along the anterior right ankle and a pink

ecchymosis along the lateral right ankle. There is an additional small red abrasion

along the medial portion of the right foot.

 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 6

Procedure and Specimens

The organs are exposed utilizing the standard Y-shaped thoracoabdominal

and posterior scalp incisions. Cardiac blood, vitreous fluid, gastric contents and urine

are taken for toxicologic evaluation and submitted to the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory

at the Albany Medical Center. An additional lavender top blood sample tube is retained

for further testing if needed. Representative portions of the major viscera are retained

in formalin and appropriate sections processed for microscopic slides. Pertinent

findings at autopsy are recorded by digital photographs by Dr. Sikirica. Also present at

the autopsy are New York State Police Investigator Shultis and New York State Trooper

Blakely. A copy of an Administrative Message Report is received from the officers with

SJS# 8578596. A set of digital scene photographs and a photograph log is also

available for review at the time of autopsy. Portions of the decedent's medical records

from Cobleskill Hospital are also received and evaluated and list the decedent's name

and medical record number 1224871. The autopsy is assisted by autopsy assistant Ms.

Sandra Marsh. No material is retained as evidence. X-rays are not taken or evaluated.

A buccal reference sample is obtained and transferred to the officers present. An

authorization for autopsy is also received from Coroner McGovern of Schoharie County.
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 7

Internal Examination

Thoracoabdominal incision reveals approximately 2-3 cm of normal appearing

abdominal panniculus. The thoracic and abdominal viscera have normal anatomic

relationships with evidence of trauma to be described.

Body Cavities:

There are approximately 300 mis in the right pleural cavity and 100 mis of

bloody fluid in the left pleural cavity. There are adhesions along the basilar and lateral

aspect of the left lung. There are a few mis of bloody fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Musculoskeletal System:

The skeletal muscles are firm and normally developed. There are fractures

along the anterior aspects of left ribs 2-8 and the anterior and lateral aspects of right

ribs 2-10. There is a fracture to the sternum between the insertion of the 3rd and 4th

ribs. There is a large diagonal fracture extending through the thoracic spine at the T1

level. There is fracturing of the cervical spine to be described.

Neck Organs:

The larynx and thyroid gland are unremarkable. The thyroid is

homogeneously tan/brown without nodularity. The laryngeal cartilages and hyoid bone

are intact. There are no laryngeal hemorrhages or hemorrhages in the soft tissues of

the neck but there is hemorrhage along the mid anterior cervical spine. The carotid

arteries and jugular veins are intact. There is a fracture of the cervical spine along the

4th and 5th cervical vertebrae.

 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 8

Respiratory System:

The right lung weighs 380 grams, the left 550 grams. Except for zones of

adhesions along the left lung, the pleural surfaces are smooth and glistening. There are

several contusions in the parenchyma of each lung but no natural focal lesions. The

tracheobronchial and arterial trees are unremarkable. No aspirated material or

thromboemboli are found.

Cardiovascular System:

The pericardia! sac is intact and contains a few mis of normal serous

pericardia! fluid. The heart weighs 340 grams and has a normal external configuration

with a glistening epicardial surface and a normal amount of epicardial fat. The

myocardium is firm and red/brown and shows no focal lesions. The cardiac chambers

are of normal size and contain clotted blood. The right ventricle measures 4 mm and

the left ventricle 10 mm in maximum thickness. The cardiac valves are normally formed

and appear in good functional condition with thin pliable valve leaflets and thin discrete

tendineae chordae. The mitral valve measures 10 cm, the tricuspid 13 cm, the

pulmonary 7.5 cm and the aortic 7 cm in circumference. The endocardium is smooth

and glistening without fibrosis or petechiae. The coronary arteries arise normally

through unobstructed ostia and pursue their usual anatomic course. Serial cross

sections at 2 mm intervals shows no significant atheromatous occlusion or anomalies.

The atria and appendages are normal. The aorta is of normal caliber and branching

distribution and is intact with no significant atherosclerosis. The vena cavae is intact

and unremarkable.
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 9

Liver and Biliary Tree:

The liver weighs 1820 grams and has a smooth capsule. There are severe

lacerations along the anterior and posterior surfaces of each lobe extending deep into

the parenchyma. Upon sectioning there are no natural focal lesions. There is no

evidence of fibrosis or cirrhosis. The gallbladder is intact and contains a trace of

green/brown bile without stones. The remainder of the extra hepatic biliary system is

unremarkable.

Spleen:

The spleen is severely macerated with a weight of approximately 330 grams.

The parenchyma itself is purple in color with indistinct white pulp.

Pancreas:

Firm lobulated tan parenchyma.

Adrenals:

Thin bright yellow/orange cortical ribbons and tan medullae.

Genitourinary System:

The right kidney weighs 140 grams, the left 150 grams. The capsules strip

easily to reveal pale but smooth purple cortical surfaces. There are tears in the hilar

region of each kidney. There is perihilar and perirenal hemorrhage bilaterally. There

are no natural parenchymal lesions. The ureters are patent into the bladder, which

contains approximately 100 mis of yellow urine and is otherwise unremarkable. The

prostate gland is not enlarged. Both testes are palpable in the scrotal sac.
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 10

Gastrointestinal System:

The esophagus is unremarkable. The stomach contains approximately 400

mis of brownish fluid and fragments of soft white material and rice. There are no

recognizable fragments of tablets or capsules. The mucosa and rugae are flat and

autolyzed but otherwise unremarkable. The small and large intestines and appendix

have a normal configuration and are otherwise unremarkable.

Brain:

The scalp is retracted by an intermastoidal incision. There is a 9 x 5 cm

posterior parietal subgaleal hemorrhage and a 3 x 2 cm zone of left frontal subgaleal

hemorrhage. The bones of the calvarium and base of the skull are intact. The fresh

brain weighs 1520 grams. There is subarachnoid hemorrhage collected along the

basilar cistern and upper and lower portion of the cerebellum. There is no evidence of

significant epidural or subdural hemorrhage. The meninges are focally bloody but clear.

The cerebral vasculature is intact with no significant atherosclerosis or vascular

anomalies. Serial coronal sections through the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem

reveal tearing along the pontomedullary junction and a small area of contusion injury

along the base of the right temporal lobe. There is also evidence of mild intraventricular

hemorrhage. Stripping the dura reveals no fractures. The pituitary gland is not

enlarged.
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 11

Microscopic Examination (slides 1-11)

Portions of the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, thyroid, pancreas, and brain are

examined microscopically. Sections of the kidneys do reveal acute hemorrhage in the

pericapsular region. No significant crystals are noted in the kidney parenchyma under

polarized light examination.

Sections of the spleen, thyroid gland, pancreas, and brain are unremarkable.

Anatomic Diagnoses

I. Multiple severe traumatic blunt force injuries.

a. History of decedent struck by a police vehicle while crossing the roadway in

the Village of Cobleskill on the evening of November 9th , 2018.

b. History of patient/decedent taken to Cobleskill Regional Hospital where he

was pronounced shortly after admission.

c. Cervical spine fracture with tearing along the pontomedullary junction of the

brainstem and associated subarachnoid hemorrhage.

d. Additional contusion injuries along the right temporal lobe of the brain,

intraventricular hemorrhage and subgaleal hemorrhages.

e. Severe laceration injuries of the liver and spleen.

f. Fracturing of the thoracic spine and multiple bilateral rib fractures with

fracturing of the sternum.

g. Laceration injury in the hilar region of each kidney with associated hilar and
 MS-18-607
OC-18-281
Gerard Roldan
Page 12

perirenal hemorrhages.

h. Bilateral hemothorax and small hemoperitoneum.

i. Fracturing of the distal left femur and the right ankle.

j. Multiple abrasions, ecchymoses and lacerations of the head, torso and

extremities.

II. Additional findings:

a. Reported history of seizure disorder.

c. Low level of fentanyl detected in postmortem blood.

d. Lower level of morphine detected in postmortem blood with 6-

monoacetylmorphine (heroin metabolite) detected in urine.

e. Marijuana compounds also detected in postmortem blood.

Ill. No evidence of other significant natural disease.

Roldan, Gerard, FT18-437 page 1 of 1

LABORATORY DIRECTORS
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY REPORT Thomas G. Rosano, PhD, DABFT
Thomas A. Swift PhD
ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER, 43 NEW SCOTLAND AVENUE
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12208-3478 (518) 262-3523
N.Y.S. FORENSIC LABORATORY PERMIT#PFI 1899
ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Subject: Roldan, Gerard Agency: Schoharie County Coroner ( Donna McGovern)

Referring Number: MS-18-607 Address: PO Box 182
Cobleskill
Case Number: FT18-437 New York, 12043
DOB: - Requestor: Dr. Michael Sikirica
DOD: 11/09/2018 Address: Forensic Medical Services
Collect Date: 11/11/2018 50 Broad Street
Received Date: 11/13/2018 Waterford, NY 12188
Report Date: 12/18/2018

Test Results
Initial Tests: ~ Result Detection Limit/Unit Method
General Unknown Blood, Cardiac See Confirmatory Analyte Specific LC/MS
Cannabinoids Blood, Cardiac See Confirmatory Detection Limit 10 ng/mL Immunoassay
Salicylate Blood, Cardiac Negative Threshold 10 mg/dL Color Spot Test
Volatiles / Alcohols Blood, Cardiac Negative Detection Limit 0.01% w/v HS-GC-FID
Test Comment:lncludes Acetone, Ethanol, lsopropanol and Methanol

Confirmatory Testing:
11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC Blood, Cardiac 3.5 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
6-Monoacetylmorphine Blood, Cardiac Negative Detection Limit 0.2 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
6-Monoacetylmorphine, Total Urine Positive Detection Limit 0.2 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Codeine, Free Blood, Cardiac Negative Detection Limit 10 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Codeine, Total Urine Positive Detection Limit 10 ng/rnL LC/MS/MS
Delta-9 Carboxy THC Blood, Cardiac Negative Detection Limit 10 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Delta-9 THC Blood, Cardiac 12.6 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Fentanyl Blood, Cardiac 1.1 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Hydrocodone, Total Urine Negative Detection Limit 1O ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Hydromorphone, Total Urine Positive Detection Limit 1O ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Morphine, Free Blood, Cardiac < 25 ng/mL LC/MS/MS
Morphine, Total Urine Positive Detection Limit 1O ng/mL LC/MS/MS

Specimens
SAMPLE# TYPE COLLECTION AMOUNT
1 Blood, Cardiac Fluoride/Oxalate (gray top vacutainer tube) 6.4 grams
2 Blood, Cardiac Fluoride/Oxalate (gray top vacutainer tube) 6.3 grams
3 Blood, Cardiac Fluoride/Oxalate (gray top vacutainer tube) 6.1 grams
4 Blood, Cardiac Fluoride/Oxalate (gray top vacutainer tube) 5.3 grams
5 Blood, Cardiac Fluoride/Oxalate (gray top vacutainer tube) 5.3 grams
6 Blood, Cardiac EDTA (lavender top vacutainer tube) 2.2 grams
7 Urine No Preservatives 3.0 grams
8 Urine No Preservatives 3.0 grams
9 Urine No Preservatives 3.2 grams
10 Urine No Preservatives 3.0 grams
11 Vitreous Humor No Preservatives 0.5 grams
12 Gastric Contents No Preservatives 46.1 grams

I certify that the specimen(s) identified by the name and/or referring number above have been examined upon receipt, determined to be
acceptable unless otherwise noted, analyzed in accordance with New York State Health Department regulations, and that the results set forth
are for those specimen(s). Documentaion of chain of custody throughout collection, transport, laboratory receipt and testing was reviewed
and found to be acceptable, unless otherwise noted. Positive specimens are retained for a minimum of one year, unless otherwise requested
This report has an associated forensic toxicology case file;

r----; /. . , ,:,
1✓-u9"/111'!-P- ___ ) / ~
Thomas A. Swift PhD 12/18/2018
Certifying Scientist (Print) Certifying Scientist (Signature) Date
EXHIBIT 3
EXHIBIT 4
 COBLESKILL POLICE DEPARTMENT
General Order
SUBJECT GENERAL ORDER NUMBER

Traffic stops 247.2

DCJS STANDARDS EFFECTIVE DATE

47.2 November 26th, 2018

REVISION DATE

APPROVAL

Richard Bialkowski, Chief of Police

I. PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this policy to establish guidelines for stopping and approaching motorists
in a manner that promotes the safety of officers, motorists, and the general public.

II. POLICY
It is the policy of this agency that motor vehicle stops shall be performed safely, professionally
and courteously. This agency will promote the education of the public about proper driving
procedures, while recognizing and taking steps to minimize the dangers involved in motor
vehicle stops for officers, motorists, and other users of the roadway.

III. PROCEDURES
A. Basis for Stopping Motor Vehicles
i. Officers shall have legal justification to stop a motor vehicle. This may include
commission of a traffic violation, reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal
activity, maintain public safety, or other investigative necessity.
ii. Officers are prohibited from stopping vehicles when the stop is based solely on
the occupant’s race, ethnicity, sex, or similar distinction.
iii. A motor vehicle may be stopped for only a period of time that is reasonable to
issue a citation or conduct other legitimate law enforcement business.
iv. Generally, officers should not make custodial arrests of motorists for traffic
violations where a citation is permitted, unless extenuating and articulable
circumstances exist.
B. Stopping and Approaching Traffic Violators
i. Where available, in-car and body-worn cameras shall be activated per policy.
ii. All emergency lighting is to be used, and siren if necessary, to conduct traffic
stops.
iii. If it is necessary to attempt to intercept, overtake, or “catch up” to a traffic
violator prior to effecting the traffic stop, emergency lighting should be used
when practical or as required for safety, but in no instance shall the officer(s)
conducting/attempting to conduct the traffic stop operate the patrol vehicle in
violation of the provisions of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1104.
iv. ALL traffic stops are to be called in to dispatch over the primary radio channel.
Information provided to dispatch is to include, at a minimum, the license plate #
of the stopped vehicle, and the location of the vehicle stop. At the officer’s
discretion or communications’ request, additional information may be
exchanged.

Page 1 of 3
 Cobleskill Police Department
v. To minimize the hazard to officers and other roadway users, all motor vehicle
stops shall be given the same attention and degree of caution. This includes the
avoidance of inadequate areas to stop, poor lighting, high traffic speeds, and
improper vehicle placement, as prescribed by agency policy and training.
vi. Once the decision to conduct a motor vehicle stop has been made, the officer
should select a location that will allow him or her to effectively and safety
interact with the motorist.
vii. Officers shall position their vehicle during the stop in a manner consistent with
training in order to maintain their safety, the stopped motorist's safety, and the
general public's safety during the entirety of the traffic stop.
viii. When exiting the patrol vehicle, the officer should be particularly alert to furtive
movements or actions of the driver or passengers. Officers should request back-
up, where possible, when engaging in a motor vehicle stop that appears
suspicious or unnecessarily hazardous.
ix. If necessary for safety, the driver and any or all passengers may be ordered out
of or directed to remain in the vehicle.
x. When engaging motorists outside of the vehicle, the officer and other parties
should be positioned to the side of the road, clear of motor vehicles. At no time
should the officer or others stand in front of, between, or behind the stopped
vehicles.
xi. Motorists should not be permitted to sit in patrol vehicles while citations are
being prepared or other law enforcement business is being conducted.
xii. If probable cause is established to search the vehicle, the belongings of
passengers may be searched, provided that the belongings are capable of
concealing the type of object for which officers have probable cause to search
the vehicle.
xiii. Where evidence of crime is uncovered during the search of a vehicle, the driver
and any and all passengers may be arrested. In order to do so, the officer must
have probable cause to believe that such passengers had common knowledge of
and control over the illegal items or evidence or were engaged in a common
enterprise with the driver to conceal the fruits or evidence of a crime.
xiv. Non-uniformed officers operating unmarked patrol vehicles with discrete
emergency lights and siren shall not normally make vehicle stops for traffic
violations. In situations where failure to act would create an unreasonable risk of
injury, death, or significant property damage, such officers shall contact the
communications center to request a marked patrol unit to make the stop.
Depending upon the urgency of the situation, an officer may activate emergency
lights and siren to make a traffic stop.
xv. Non-uniformed officers operating vehicles not equipped with emergency lights
or siren shall not make motor vehicle stops unless there is imminent danger of
loss of life if they do not act. In cases that otherwise require attention, officers
shall contact the communications center, request that a marked patrol vehicle
perform the stop, and assist in directing the marked unit to the subject vehicle’s
location.
C. Making High-Risk Vehicle Stops
When an officer initiating a vehicle stop has reason to believe that the
occupants may be armed and dangerous, he or she should:
 Cobleskill Police Department
i. not individually initiate the high-risk vehicle stop unless back-up units will not be
available in an appropriate amount of time or the urgency of the situation
demands immediate action; and
ii. signal the suspect to stop, after selecting an appropriate location and with
adequate support units in position. The officer shall then follow their training for
vehicle positioning and the removal and securing of vehicle occupants.
D. Communication with motorist and occupant(s) during Traffic Stops
Many individuals form their perceptions of law enforcement based on brief
encounters with officers during motor vehicle stops. Therefore, officers should
adopt a customer service and educational approach when dealing with motorists.
Officers should:
i. introduce themselves and the law enforcement agency that they work for;
ii. specify the reason for making the vehicle stop and solicit the necessary
documents;
iii. be courteous and respectful;
iv. use command presence as compared to an aggressive or condescending
approach, tone of voice, or facial expressions;
v. provide the motorist with any information deemed appropriate to educate
rather than lecture them about the infraction; and
vi. ask if there are any questions concerning court dates and similar issues.
vii. Officers should not dispute the stop, the charge(s), or any other issue with the
motorist and/or occupant(s).
E. Enforcement Decision
Officers have 3 basic options for enforcement action:
i. Warning – issue a verbal warning on the charges for the stop
ii. UTT – issue appropriate UTT(s) for charge(s) utilizing the in-car Tracs system. If
exercising this option, officers shall also issue any and all other appropriate and
necessary paperwork as required (MV-78B, TB-37, etc.). Officers shall also
return all appropriate documentation to the motorist at completion of the stop.
iii. Arrest – arrest the operator and or occupant(s) for criminal offense. If exercising
this option, officers shall also issue any and all other appropriate and necessary
paperwork as required (MV-78B, TB-37, etc.). Officers shall also return all
appropriate documentation to the motorist at completion of the stop
F. Special considerations
i. Juveniles – follow procedures outlined in General Order pertaining to handling
of juveniles
ii. Diplomats – Diplomatic violators shall be handled in accordance with General
Order pertaining to Diplomatic and Consular Immunity.