On December 23, 2020, and approximately 9:10 p.m., the New York State Police in Westchester were dispatched for a wrong way driver on US Highway 9 in the area of Main Street in the city of Peekskill.
Initial investigation revealed a 2018 Audi Q7 color black operated by Mark E. Cope, age 41, of Yorktown, NY, was traveling the wrong-way northbound in the southbound lanes of US Highway 9. Cope struck a southbound 2020 Acura MDX containing three occupants. Two of the occupants sustained serious but believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, and the third was unfortunately pronounced deceased.
Further investigation found Mark Cope was under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st degree, a class C felony.
The State Police are asking for anyone who may have observed the wrong way operation which led to this tragic death to please contact the New York State Police at (914) 769-2600. Please ask for the Cortlandt Bureau of Criminal Investigation and refer to case# 9992275.
The State Police were assisted by Peekskill Police Department throughout this investigation. Peekskill and Montrose Fire Departments and the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.