GPD: Drunk-driving crash causes gas leak

Sunday, January 21, 2024 - 15:46

GUILDERLAND — A Troy man was charged with drunk driving after a crash on Thursday night caused a gas leak, shutting Johnston Road for several hours, according to a Friday release from Guilderland Police.
Christopher L. Jura, 43, was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the crash.

Guilderland Police said events unfolded this way: They and volunteers from the Westmere Fire Department responded at about 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 18 after a vehicle crashed into a house and then a utility pole on Johnston Road near Route 20.

Neighbors of the crashed house were briefly evacuated, and Johnston Road was closed for several hours while National Grid repaired its natural gas line and the utility pole. There were no injuries

Jura refused to submit to a chemical test to determine his blood alcohol content, police said. He was released with a ticket, ordering him to appear later in Guilderland Town Court.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

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