ORLEANS COUNTY, N.Y. — A 43-year-old man has pleaded guilty after a U-Haul crashed into the Erie Canal in September.

RELATED: MCSO: One suspect dead, another arrested, after U-Haul drives into Erie Canal during chase (Sept. 2, 2025)

Ryan Armstrong pleaded guilty to manslaughter. According to deputies, Armstrong and his passenger, Reginald Russell, stole stuff from Walgreens before leading law enforcement on a chase, and then crashing into the canal.

Photo of Ryan Armstrong

Russell was found dead in the water after the crash. The van crashed near the border of Monroe and Orleans counties, around the Sans Souci Park.

Deputies say Armstrong has had a history of run-ins with law enforcement in Monroe County dating back to May 2000.

Armstrong is set to be sentenced in April.

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