APD trainee ruled at fault in collision

ALBANY, Ga. — The Georgia State Patrol has found the driver of an Albany Police patrol car to be at fault in a two-car collision this past week.

According to a report by the GSP, Christopher Baltenberger, an officer trainee with the Albany Police Department, failed to see the 2001 gray Chevrolet Malibu as it entered the intersection of Oglethorpe Boulevard and Monroe Street and struck the vehicle in the front quarter panel on the driver’s side.

Albany Police Department spokesperson, Phyllis Banks said Baltenberger and fellow officer Benjamin Persley were responding to a robbery alarm at National Beer and Wine Package store at about 4:39 p.m. on Nov. 16, traveling east on Oglethorpe Boulevard with their lights and siren on when the accident occurred.

According to Sgt. Shawn Urquhart with the Georgia State Patrol, occupants of the Malibu were driver, Carlisle Kendricks and passenger, Duyvonya Hicks, who was said to be pregnant. No major injuries were reported, but occupants of the Malibu were taken to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for observation.

Urquhart said that whatever disciplinary action Baltenberger may face will most likely be determined by a review process of the Albany Police Department. Banks said no action has been taken in Baltenberger’s case so far.