Police: Driver was drunk in Route 7 Niskayuna crash

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

The driver of the farm tractor was removing snow at the time of the crash Wednesday.

NISKAYUNA — The motorist who slammed into a man operating a tractor on Route 7 on Wednesday evening was drunk at the time of the crash, according to police.

Cindy A. Peppin, 58, of Central Avenue in Albany, faces one count each of second-degree vehicular assault, a felony, and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, according to court documents.

The driver of the farm tractor, which had a plow attachment, was identified as John Burger, 68, of Niskayuna. He was removing snow at the time of the crash.

Burger suffered serious injuries, police said Wednesday evening, and was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. An update on his condition was not available Thursday afternoon.

The crash happened on Route 7, near Shannon Boulevard, just before 6 p.m. The road was closed for several hours as police investigated.

Peppin also faces a ticket for moving from her lane unsafely and driving in the center lane, police said.

Peppin was arraigned and released to return to court later, police said. She pleaded not guilty. No attorney was listed for her.