Florida Man Charged with Murder in Death of Trooper

Almond Upton, 60, of Melrose, Florida has been charged with one count of murder in the first degree after striking a New York State Trooper along I-81 in Broome County.

Shortly after  12:00 noon on May 29th,  Upton was traveling on I-81 when he  hit two cars driving north. Officials say he did so intentionally. One driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at Wilson Hospital.

Approximately one mile later, just north of exit 6, between Chenango Bridge and Castle Creek, Trooper Christopher Skinner was conducting a traffic stop. Upton traveled from the passing to driving lane, striking Skinner, and sideswiping the car he had stopped.

The trooper was killed instantly.

Upton continued for a short distance before stopping his vehicle and running into nearby woods. He was taken into custody approximately an hour later.

Upton was arraigned in the Town of Chenango court and sent to the Broome County Jail with no bail.

The investigation into the death of Trooper Skinner continues.