Police say that a pickup truck driver intentionally hit and killed an officer who was in the middle of a conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 81 close to Binghamton.
Almond Upton was in the passing lane when he suddenly switched to the rightmost lane and sideswiped both Trooper Christopher Skinner and the vehicle he stopped before driving on, reports the Times Union.
Skinner, who was a 13 year police veteran, died instantly. The 42-year-old leaves behind two children.
The 60-year-old Upton was charged with first-degree murder after police found him naked and hiding out in the woods a short distance away. Despite finding him naked, police aren't sure he was on drugs or alcohol.
According to The Associated Press, police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said that it isn't know yet why Upton decided to hit Skinner.
New York State Troopers PBA President Thomas H. Mungeer said, "As Trooper Skinner's tragic death illustrates, the job of a New York State Trooper is difficult and dangerous, and no day is ever routine."