Sheriff’s deputy, motorist injured in head-on crash

CARMEL – A Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured Wednesday morning when his patrol car crashed head-on into another vehicle on Route 9 in Philipstown, Sheriff Donald Smith said.

At about 6:40 a.m., Deputy Matthew Boscia, 25, who has 13 months of service with the department, was patrolling alone in his marked cruiser, a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, heading southbound.

As he passed the Putnam Glass company about one mile south of Route 301, a northbound 1998 Ford Explorer driven by Michele DiVivo, 43, of Wappingers Falls, reportedly crossed over into the opposite lane and slammed head on into the deputy’s car. She had been charged with, among other things, driving while her ability was impaired by drugs.

The impact of the crash demolished both vehicles. Airbags deployed in both cars and both people were wearing lap and shoulder belts.

Boscia was transported to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla where he was admitted with fractures to his left leg, ankle and left hand. DiVivo was taken to Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt and later moved to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of a broken leg.

DiVivo faces several charges – unlawfully driving her car across a double-yellow line, driving while her ability was impaired by drugs, vehicular assault in the second degree, a felony.