State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision in the City of Newburgh

On January 1, 2026, at approximately 10:32 p.m., a New York State Trooper assigned to the Montgomery Barracks observed a 2012 Volkswagen traveling eastbound on State Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh in violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the operator failed to comply. A pursuit lasting approximately two minutes ensued but was subsequently terminated by the trooper prior to entering the City of Newburgh.

The Volkswagen continued traveling eastbound on Broadway at an unsafe speed and struck a 2002 Toyota that was making a left-hand turn from a business driveway onto Broadway.

The operator of the Volkswagen was later identified as Marcus A. Burks, age 39, of Newburgh, New York. Burks was taken into custody and subsequently became unresponsive. Life-saving measures were administered, and he was transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The 19-year-old operator of the Toyota and a 20-year-old passenger, both from Newburgh, were transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the City of Newburgh Police Department. The New York State Attorney General’s Office was notified of the incident and responded.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the New York State Police, State Police Montgomery Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (845) 344-5300.