PLATTSBURGH, NY — New York State Police on May 8 charged a 16-year-old male of Schuyler Falls with second-degree reckless endangerment and charged Jeslynn Mashtare, 19, of Plattsburgh, with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
State police and the City of Plattsburgh Police Department responded at about 1:40 a.m. March 16 to CVPH Medical Center following a report of a UTV crash involving injuries.
Investigators determined the 16-year-old was operating a 2023 Polaris UTV on a trail near Fox Farm Road when the vehicle struck a tree.
Police said the UTV had three passengers: a 16-year-old female of Plattsburgh, Mashtare and a second 16-year-old male of Plattsburgh.
The female passenger and Mashtare were seated on the bench seat of the UTV, while the second 16-year-old male was riding on the rear of the UTV.
As a result of the crash, the male passenger riding on the rear was ejected and suffered a serious head injury.
Police said those involved transported the injured passenger to the hospital before law enforcement arrived.
The 16-year-old operator and Mashtare left the hospital before police made contact, according to investigators.
Because of the severity of his injuries, the victim was later transferred to UVM Medical Center for further treatment.
Further investigation found that Mashtare allegedly provided alcohol to the minors before the crash.
Investigators also determined that the 16-year-old operator allegedly had consumed alcohol before the crash.
The 16-year-old was processed and released on a Family Court appearance ticket.
Mashtare was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Peru Court at a later date in May.
