Man Arrests First Responders after DWI Crash

On June 2, 2021, the New York State Police in Cobleskill arrested 37-year-old Liam M. O’Connor of Richmondville, for Assault 2nd degree (D felony), Driving While Intoxicated (misdemeanor), Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd degree (A misdemeanor), and Resisting Arrest (A misdemeanor).

At approximately 8:46 p.m. on Wednesday, state police responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of State Route 165 and State Route 10 in the town of Seward. On scene investigation determined that O’Connor had been traveling east on State Route 165 in 2007 Nissan Pathfinder, when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of State Route 10 and collided with a guiderail on the eastern shoulder. His vehicle then continued into a pasture where he struck a livestock fence. Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

While speaking with O’Connor, the responding Trooper could smell the odor of alcohol on his breath and observed signs of impairment. While being treated by EMS, O’Connor became combative and is accused of attacking members of the EMS and fire crew that had arrived to assist him. O’Connor violently resisted arrest and attempted to kick a Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy and firefighters when they assisted in putting O’Connor in a patrol car for transport to SP Cobleskill.

Once at the station, O’Connor was administered the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed. He provided a breath sample of .14% B.A.C.

O’Connor was arraigned in Seward Town Court and remanded to Schoharie County Jail. He is due back in court on a later date.