A Newburgh OB-GYN was arrested on a DWI charge after state police say she fled the scene of a crash and was later found in a hospital emergency room parking lot.
State police say troopers from the Montgomery Barracks responded to Dubois Street in the City of Newburgh around 6:49 p.m. Sunday for reports of an erratic vehicle. Investigators say a 2024 Kia crossed into the northbound lane, struck a parked car and then left the scene.
Troopers later located the vehicle parked outside the emergency room entrance at St. Luke’s Hospital, where the driver was identified as 67-year-old Janice R. Crowder of White Plains. State police say Crowder was not injured and drove to the hospital for work.
Police say Crowder showed signs of impairment during an interview and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Investigators say she refused to provide a breath sample to determine her blood alcohol content.
Crowder was released to a sober third party and issued an appearance ticket to City of Newburgh Court on Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. State police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Crowder is listed as an OB-GYN at Cornerstone Family Healthcare on Lake Street in Newburgh and is also identified as a physician at St. Luke’s Hospital on the hospital’s website.
A spokesperson for Cornerstone Family Healthcare says Crowder has been suspended from her duties while the matter remains under review, citing patient safety as a top priority.
St. Luke's Hospital responded to News 12 with the following statement:
“We are aware of the incident involving one of the physicians on our Medical Staff and who is employed by one of the medical practices in our community. We take these types of incidents very seriously and continue our commitment to high-quality care.
Upon learning of the incident, we implemented processes per our Medical Staff Bylaws to ensure the safety of our patients.”