Taijon M. Williams dies in fatal Syracuse minivan crash

Taijon M. Williams dies in fatal Syracuse minivan crash

Fatal Syracuse minivan crash death of Taijon M. Williams – Obituary

Taijon M. Williams, 31, of Syracuse, was killed early Tuesday when a stolen minivan he was driving collided with a telephone pole while fleeing law enforcement.

The crash occurred on Erie Boulevard West shortly after 2:30 a.m., following a traffic stop by Syracuse police on Grand Avenue. The minivan had been reported stolen, and although city officers did not pursue it, deputies from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office began a chase.

Sheriff’s deputies first tried to stop the vehicle on Avery Avenue, with a second patrol car joining the pursuit. The minivan traveled east on West Genesee Street before turning onto Erie Boulevard West, where Williams lost control navigating a curve and struck a telephone pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A female passenger was ejected during the crash and suffered minor injuries, receiving treatment at Upstate University Hospital. Erie Boulevard West remained closed for nearly eight hours while crews cleared the scene.

The state Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations is conducting a preliminary review, as is standard in any police-involved death.