Man Hides In Ditch After Thruway Rollover in Clarkstown: Police

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Troopers called to the scene of a rollover on the New York State Thruway in Clarkstown at 1 a.m. Sunday discovered that the car had been reported stolen. They didn't find the driver there, though he had been injured.

State police said he had run away after the crash. However, a witness saw the man get out of the car and flee, and another followed him.

He was found in a ditch near the interchange with Route 59 by members of the Rockland County Sheriff's Department.

State police identified the driver as Rafael L. Grullon, 42, of the Bronx.

Police said he was found to be in possession of cocaine while he was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to Nyack Hospital where he was listed in serious condition.

Grullon was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree, a Class E Felony; Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree, both Class A Misdemeanors; and Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Unclassified Misdemeanors.

He was issued appearance tickets and is due in the Town of Clarkstown Court on July 27.