State Police arrest Lake George driver after pedestrian suffers critical injuries in Queensbury crash near the Exit 19 off ramp

Queensbury, New York – A Friday evening crash in Queensbury has left a pedestrian in critical condition and led to the arrest of a Lake George man on charges of driving while intoxicated.

According to New York State Police, the incident took place shortly after 5:15 p.m. on August 29, 2025, at the intersection of Aviation Road and the southbound Exit 19 off-ramp of Interstate 87. Investigators say a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 25-year-old Brodie C. Gerber, exited the highway and attempted to turn east onto Aviation Road when it struck a pedestrian.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old David J. Mitchell of Granville, was standing partially in the roadway at the time of the collision. Authorities reported that Mitchell sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including broken legs. Emergency medical personnel transported him first to Glens Falls Hospital, but his condition required a transfer to Albany Medical Center. As of Saturday, Mitchell remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Several people who were in the area when the crash occurred gave statements to State Police. Witnesses told investigators that Mitchell had been seen moving in and out of traffic lanes before the collision. Emergency crews who arrived on scene also confirmed those accounts, noting the pedestrian’s erratic behavior leading up to the incident.

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Despite those reports, officials emphasized that the focus of their investigation also includes Gerber’s actions behind the wheel.

Troopers at the scene conducted field sobriety tests on Gerber after the crash, and authorities say he failed the tests. He was taken into custody and transported to the State Police barracks in Queensbury for processing.

While in custody, Gerber submitted to a chemical breath test, which recorded a blood alcohol concentration of .17 percent—more than twice the legal limit in New York State. A Drug Recognition Expert was also called to evaluate Gerber at the crash site.

Following his arrest, Gerber was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). He was later arraigned in Warren County CAP Court and released on his own recognizance. Gerber is scheduled to return to Queensbury Town Court on September 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to document and analyze the crash scene. Investigators worked into the evening collecting measurements, examining vehicle damage, and reviewing roadway conditions. Officials stressed that the investigation remains active and that additional charges against Gerber could still be filed depending on the findings.

In a statement released late Friday, police said: “The New York State Police are investigating a serious car versus pedestrian crash that occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the intersection of Aviation Road and the Exit 19 southbound off-ramp from Interstate 87 in the town of Queensbury, Warren County.”

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The intersection where the crash occurred is a heavily traveled stretch of road near the Adirondack Northway, with vehicles frequently merging from the interstate onto Aviation Road. The incident caused traffic delays in the area Friday evening as first responders worked at the site and investigators closed off part of the roadway for several hours.

As Mitchell continues to fight for his life in Albany, the case underscores the ongoing risks posed by impaired driving. Authorities reminded the public that one reckless decision can have devastating consequences not only for those directly involved but for families and entire communities.

The investigation remains underway, and State Police are urging anyone who may have additional information about the crash to come forward.