SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the man killed early Tuesday morning after a stolen minivan crashed into a telephone pole during a law enforcement pursuit in Syracuse. The fatal crash led to lengthy road closures and is now under review by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
The victim was identified as Taijon M. Williams, 31, of Syracuse, according to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said Williams was driving the minivan when it crashed along Erie Boulevard West while he was fleeing deputies. The crash occurred near 1008 Erie Blvd. shortly before dawn, drawing a large emergency response.
According to Syracuse police, the incident began shortly before 2:30 a.m. when officers stopped a minivan in the 700 block of Grand Avenue after determining the vehicle had been reported stolen. Police said while officers were waiting for another unit to arrive, the minivan suddenly fled the scene. Syracuse police did not pursue the vehicle, citing department policy that prohibits pursuits involving stolen vehicles.
Moments later, a patrol unit with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office spotted the minivan and attempted to stop it on Avery Avenue, officials said. A second sheriff’s patrol car soon joined the pursuit. Deputies said the minivan continued east on West Genesee Street before turning onto Erie Boulevard West, where the driver lost control while navigating a curve.
Authorities said the minivan veered off the roadway and struck a telephone pole with significant force. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman who was riding as a passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. She was transported to Upstate University Hospital with injuries described as minor.
The crash forced Erie Boulevard West to remain closed for nearly eight hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. As required in all incidents involving a police pursuit and a death, the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations is conducting a preliminary assessment. Officials emphasized that the review is standard procedure and ongoing as investigators continue to gather information about the events leading up to the fatal crash.
