Newburgh, NY (January 4, 2026) – A high-speed crash on Broadway in the City of Newburgh left one man dead and two others injured on the night of January 1. The collision occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m., following the termination of a brief police pursuit, according to New York State Police. Authorities say the driver of a 2012 Volkswagen, identified as 39-year-old Marcus A. Burks of Newburgh, failed to stop when a trooper attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation.
The pursuit, which lasted approximately two minutes, was ended by the trooper before the crash. However, moments later, Burks’ vehicle continued eastbound on Broadway at what officials described as an unsafe speed. The Volkswagen collided with a 2002 Toyota turning onto Broadway from a business driveway. Following the crash, Burks was taken into custody but soon became unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.
Two other people, a 19-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger in the Toyota, both from Newburgh, were transported to the same hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities noted that the New York State Attorney General’s Office was notified due to the police contact preceding the crash. The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the City of Newburgh Police Department.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Marcus Burks and wish the injured individuals a swift recovery.
High-Speed Collisions and Pursuits in Urban New York Settings
Crashes following police pursuits, whether the pursuit is active or recently terminated, carry significant risks to all parties involved, including uninvolved motorists and pedestrians. Urban roadways like Broadway in Newburgh see consistent traffic at all hours, and even short bursts of high-speed travel can end in tragedy. In this case, the collision occurred at a business entrance where turning visibility and reaction time may have been limited.
Officials have long warned about the dangers of fleeing traffic stops, emphasizing that evasive action only increases the chances of severe outcomes. In the City of Newburgh, where traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety remain top priorities, crashes like this one reinforce the need for continued public education and responsive law enforcement protocols. The notification of the Attorney General’s office highlights the seriousness with which incidents involving police contact are reviewed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle crash in the Hudson Valley, help is available.
Local Accident Reports connects victims of serious accidents with the support they need to understand their rights and recovery options. Contact Local Accident Reports today for trusted resources and compassionate guidance after a life-changing incident.
