Thursday, December 31, 2009

NY police officer, 5 others hurt by fleeing driver in Rochester

Via MattarMedia ROCHESTER - A man is in custody after authorities say he led police on a chase during which a Rochester police officer and five other people were injured in two separate crashes.

Rochester police say the officer was following a suspicious vehicle around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday when the driver speed off, reaching speeds of up 100 mph.

The officer crashed with another car on a bridge. Police say the car he was following then caused a second crash with another vehicle.

Police say the officer was treated at a hospital for a minor head injury and released. Officials say five other people suffered minor injuries in the two crashes.

The suspect's name hasn't been released.

New Year’s DWI crackdown

Via MattarMedia - It’s only Wednesday and we're already into a DWI crackdown weekend, all because of the New Year's holiday.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is joining forces with state police and other agencies to stop drinking and driving.

The plan is to have saturation patrols out on the roads, sobriety checkpoints and also bar sweeps looking for underage drinkers right through the weekend.

The Sheriff's Department says this is just one way to prevent needless deaths and tragedies.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wheatland crash: woman recovering, car totaled

Via MattarMedia - A woman is recovering this noon hour after a scary crash in Wheatland. It happened around 8:30 this morning on Scottsville-Mumford Road.

Police tell us the woman lost control of her car- veered off an embankment and hit a tree. Her car was totaled.

The victim was taken to highland hospital and she is expected to be okay.

No word on what caused her to lose control.

New Year's DWI Crackdown


MattarMedia via WHEC - It’s only Wednesday and we're already into a DWI crackdown weekend, all because of the New Year's holiday.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is joining forces with state police and other agencies to stop drinking and driving.

The plan is to have saturation patrols out on the roads, sobriety checkpoints and also bar sweeps looking for underage drinkers right through the weekend.

The Sheriff's Department says this is just one way to prevent needless deaths and tragedies.

Give the Greatest Gift - A Safe Ride Home. For more information, CLICK HERE

Area hopes new traffic lights will cutdown number of crashes

Via MattarMedia Town of Onondaga – Drivers who use a busy intersection in the town of Onondaga will need to allow a few extra minutes to get where they need to go. Two new traffic signals were turned on Wednesday.

After finding a high number of accidents at the intersection of Bellevue Avenue and Onondaga Boulevard, engineers recommended a traffic light.

The new signals, located just a short distance from Westhill High School, were scheduled to be turned on at 10am.

The intersection, which had previously only had stop signs controlling traffic, was changed approximately two weeks ago to a flashing red and yellow signal, was switched into a full traffic signal Wednesday.

An Onondaga County traffic study found there were seven accidents at the intersection over the past three years which was enough to satisfy the requirements to install a three color signal to provide greater safety benefits.

Engineers say the change will take drivers some time to get used to, and say it’s a good time since school is not in session.

There are boards around the area letting drivers know about the change.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Alleged drunk driver crashes into Outback parking lot

Via MattarMedia DeWitt - Police say an East Syracuse man was drunk when he drove off a six foot cliff and landed in the Outback Steakhouse parking lot in DeWitt.

DeWitt police say Jeffrey Inman of East Syracuse thought he could make his way out of the Colonial Laundromat parking lot off of Erie Boulevard by driving behind the building.

Instead, the car went off a cliff and ended up flipping over in the Outback Steakhouse parking lot.

Inman and his passenger tried to run from the scene - but police caught up with them. Inman is behind bars on DWI charges.

Ontario County accident sends 2 women to hospital

Via MattarMedia - Ontario County Sheriffs are saying speeding and snowy roads may have caused a two-car accident that has sent two women to the hospital. It happened around 11:15 p.m. on Monday.

Sophia Lutzen, of Clifton Springs, lost control of her car on Route 96 in Phelps. She spun into the left lane and hit a car driven by Betty Steele of Waterloo.

Lutzen was taken to Strong Memorial hospital and is listed in stable condition. Steel was taken to Clifton Springs Hospital with broken ankle.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Female injured in Herkimer County snowmobile accident

Via MattarMedia STRATFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - A woman riding a snowmobile was severely injured Sunday night just over the Herkimer County line, in the Town of Stratford.

A helicopter from Fulton County was called in to transport her to a hospital, but the Fulton County Sheriff's Department would not give any other information as to how the accident happened or the woman's condition.

Black ice causes many accidents

Via MattarMedia Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Road conditions were dangerous Sunday morning in Central New York due to patches of black ice, especially in the shade and on overpasses or bridges.

In one accident on East Taylor Street near the Syracuse Community Health Center a woman driving a Chevy Blazer lost control and skidded into a wall around 11:30. Police say the SUV likely hit a patch of ice that hadn’t melted because it was in the shade. The driver is reported to be okay.

NewsChannel 9’s Storm Team Meteorologist Dave Longley predicted the black ice in his morning forecast, and also that it would cease to be a serious problem Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Thruway toll-takers will hand out anti-DWI red ribbons today

Via MattarMedia ALBANY - Toll takers on the state Thruway will be handing out red ribbons starting this afternoon as part of a month-long stop-DWI campaign sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer says state troopers will be out in full force to keep a close watch for intoxicated drivers.

About 48,000 ribbons will be distributed at the tollbooths at Harriman, Newburgh, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.

Fleischer says drivers should keep in mind that they'll face stiffer penalties if they're caught driving drunk with a child in the car. Under the new "Leandra's Law," a person who drives drunk with a child passenger would be charged with a class E felony and face up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Man injured when snowmobile flips over

Via MattarMedia WEST TURIN, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Lewis County Sheriff's Office is investigating a snowmobile accident in the town of West Turin.

According to deputies, Michael Soule, 51, from Stone Ridge lost control of his snowmobile on a hill crest. The sled then flipped over.

Soule was rushed to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He is said to be in good condition this morning.

Authorities say charges are pending.

Truck crashes into Fallsview Casino

Via MattarMedia NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - A police chase across the border ended when a pickup truck crashed into Fallsview Casino.

Imagine being on the gaming floor, when suddenly a car crashes into the casino.

That's what happened at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. Niagara Regional Police say a pickup truck, driven by 51-year-old Harold Howard, crashed through the front entrance of the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

There was shattered glass and debris, but luckily no patrons were injured.

Authorities say Howard had used a weapon to assault two people in the Falls and then struck a vehicle in the driveway of another home.

Police attempted to stop him but he kept driving and, according to authorities, intentionally drove into the Fallsview Casino.

Harold Howard, who lives in Niagara Falls, is being charged with many crimes, including attempted murder.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Police respond to hit and run crash

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N .Y. (WIVB) - Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Buffalo Police responded to a hit and run crash.

Police say a driver collided with another vehicle on East Avenue near Hertel Avenue, then hit a gas line outside a building.

The first driver then took off.

No one was hurt.

National Fuel was called to turn off the gas line.

Shooting victim found at crash scene

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police who were responding to an accident, found a shooting victim.

Police are telling News 4 it appears to be an attempted suicide.

Buffalo Police responded to an accident at the on ramp for the 33 eastbound, on Best Street, around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

When officers approached the car that had struck a guard rail, they found a woman inside who was shot.

The woman is recovering from her injuries at ECMC.

It's believed that a gun was recovered from inside the car, but at this point it's not clear if the shooting took place inside the car or at another location.

The victim's name and condition have not been released.

Head-on Crash Sends Four People To Hospitals

Via MattarMedia - The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is investigating a head-on crash that sent four people to the hospital.

It happened just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday on State Route 58 in the town of Gouverneur.

Officials said 23 year old Katherine Straw of Gouverneur and 17 year old Crystal Tully of Hammond were flown to University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment for leg injuries.

They were in serious condition as of Monday afternoon.

Also injured were 27 year old Samuel Caldwell and 38 year old Ted Norton who are both from Gouverneur.

They were taken to E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur for treatment of arm and leg injuries.

Officials said Tully's pickup truck slammed head-on into Straw's car.

Deputies said charges are pending further investigation.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Collision involves police car

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - News 4 is trying to learn more about a two car crash involving a Buffalo Police patrol car.

It happened around midnight near the intersection of Main and Humboldt.

Both the police cruiser and another car suffered serious front end damage.

There's no word if anyone was injured or what caused the crash.

Sheriff uses Santa to discourage DWIs

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Erie County Sheriff has recruited a deputy in a red suit to discourage drivers from drinking before taking the wheel.

Sheriff Tim Howard revealed a billboard that reads, "Santa is coming to town -- Please Don't Hit Him -- Don't Drink and Drive."

The sheriff wants to encourage people who have been drinking to let someone else "take the reins."

"Driving while intoxicated, the results that could follow, tear lives apart, and irreversible and you could spend the rest of your life, regretting that," said Sgt. Scott Joslyn of the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

And don't forget: Liberty and Yellow Cab of Buffalo will offer free rides this New Year's Eve.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Woman and Two Dogs Somehow Survive Accident

Via MattarMedia - A woman and her two dogs somehow managed to escape serious injury when her car was broadsided by a tractor trailer yesterday evening at the intersection of Pleasant Road and Route 20 in the Town of Hamburg.

Hamburg police are investigating the accident. No word at this time on how the accident happened.

Two injured in Seneca Turnpike three-car crash

Via MattarMedia NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Utica man was hospitalized Wednesday afternoon with neck pains after a three-car collision in New Hartford.

The accident happened in front of the Burger King on Seneca Turnpike.

Amina Purak, 20, Rochester, was heading East on Seneca Turnpike and failed to notice traffic stopped ahead of her. This caused her vehicle to hit the back of Earnest F Cavalier's car. The force of the impact then caused Cavalier, 63, Utica and his vehicle to be pushed into a car driven by Angela Fistick, 27, Sauquoit.

Cavalier and Fistick complained about neck pain. Cavalier was transported to Faxton/St.Luke's Healthcare.

Cavalier's and Purak's vehicles were towed away, both with extensive damage.

Amina Purak was issued a traffic ticket for following too closely and is scheduled in New Hartford Town Court at a later date.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Serious crash sends two people to ECMC

Via MattarMedia LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - Two people are being treated at ECMC Wednesday morning, after a serious crash in Niagara County.

Sheriff's Deputies say a vehicle rolled over into a ditch at Lockport and Comstock Roads, in the Town of Pendleton at about 7:30 Tuesday night.

Investigators say the driver got out of the car, but a passenger was trapped in the vehicle which was partially submerged in water, until rescue crews arrived.

The victims' names and conditions have not been released.

The intersection which was shut down for several hours, has since reopened.

Amish Buggy-Car Accident in Depeyster

Via MattarMedia - Ogdensburg State Police investigated a car/buggy personal accident on East Road in Depeyster on Monday, December 14, around 5:41 PM.

Joel M. Keen, 34, of Gouverneur, was eastbound on East Road, when Menno J. Hostetler, 22, of Depeyster, operating a buggy, was sideswiped by Keen.

Hostetler sustained a laceration to his forehead and was transported by Ogdensburg rescue to Claxton Hepburn Hospital where he was treated and released.

No tickets were issued.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tougher state DWI laws take effect Friday

Via MattarMedia ALBANY — Tougher laws on drunken drivers who have a child in the car take effect Friday.

The new law, known as Leandra's Law, makes it a felony to drive with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08 and have a passenger in the car younger than 16. A first offense carries a potential prison sentence of up to four years; up to 15 years if a child passenger is seriously injured; and up to 25 years if a child is killed.

The law was adopted by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. David Paterson last month after Leandra Rosado, 11, died in a drunken-driving accident in October in New York City.

The law also requires drivers charged with drunken driving with a child in the car to surrender their licenses pending prosecution. And if convicted, an ignition-interlock system must be installed in the car for at least six months. On Aug. 15, the law will expand to require the system for any driver convicted of misdemeanor or felony DWI.

The interlock system costs about $100 to install and $3 a day to operate. The offender will be required to pay for it.

In 2008, there were 9,202 alcohol-related crashes in New York, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. In those crashes, 488 children under the age of 18 were injured or killed.

Four people hurt in Fayetteville crash

Via MattarMedia Fayetteville (WSYR-TV) - Four people were taken to the hospital Monday morning after a two-car crash along North Burdick Street near Taylor Road in Fayetteville.

Manlius police say the driver of the car that ended up in the brush off the road was making a left hand turn, when she was hit by the second car.

We’re told that none of the injuries are serious.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Drivers should prepare for conditions

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - With tricky driving conditions it's important for people to be prepared before hitting the road.

In this case we're not talking about the things you should have in your car. Instead, we've spoken to the experts about the things drivers should and should not do on the road.

In just three days the New York State Thruway in parts of western New York was the scene of several disasters. A winter storm on Thursday and Friday brought traffic to a standstill.

We all know drivers can't control the weather, but a spokesperson for the New York State Thruway Authority says people can control the way they drive.

"You have to be very careful of the distance. You know drive safely, but allow more distance between your vehicle and others," said spokesperson Donna Luh.

Had one driver done that on Saturday, there's a good chance a State Police Trooper would not have been rear ended in the eastbound lane between the Batavia and Pembroke Exits.

"She was rear ended by a vehicle that did not stop in time," said Sgt. Gregory Peron.

Keeping enough distance between cars is even more important when it rains and snows.

Luh explained, "The speed limits are posted for ideal driving conditions, but people have to remember during these weather conditions it's necessary to slow down."

The cause of this fatal crash in the Town of Pembroke remains under investigation, but 33-year-old Julie Stratton survived hitting a deer only to get hit by a tractor trailer minutes later.

Her vehicle became disabled in the westbound lane but State Police tell us other vehicles were able to avoid her before the truck driver slammed into her.

"If we have to speak louder and get our message out more we will do that," said Luh.

Experts say crashes are still bound to happen.

"We have a lot of car/deer accidents and we have a lot of minor fender bender accidents. When it's possible and if you're able to, safely move your vehicle off the road," said Sgt. Peron.

What if you can't move your vehicle? Should you stay in it?

State Police say it depends.

Sgt. Peron said, "Where they are, what the visibility is, what the weather's like."

Serious accident in East Bloomfield

Via MattarMedia - A serious accident on Route 5 and 20 in East Bloomfield has left one man in the hospital.

Richard Testa of East Bloomfield is in guarded condition tonight at Strong Hospital.

Ontario County Sheriff's Officials say he rear-ended a car that was stopped to make a left-hand turn.

The teens in that car are ok.

Testa was taken by mercy flight to strong with a broken sternum.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Train hits car in Dunkirk

Via MattarMedia DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WIVB) - A car has been hit by a train in Dunkirk.

It happened Friday morning, on the tracks on Lucas Avenue.

It's believed the car was stuck on the tracks, but everyone got out safely.

Investigation complete in train versus plow accident

Via MattarMedia GANSEVOORT, N.Y. - Members of the Gansevoort Highway Department said Jim Shea was a dedicated and hard working man who also helped out the fire department. They said he spent so much time helping others that many will feel his loss.

"It's hard," said Gansevoort Highway Superintendent Neil Petteys, who worked with Jim Shea for the last ten years.

He choked back tears while thinking about Shea who died in a collision between the plow truck he was in and a freight train Wednesday morning.

Petteys said, "The equipment can be replaced, but the personnel..."

Police said the snow plow crossed the tracks on Saunders Road to clear snow but got stuck and lost traction. They said the driver tried to go up an incline but slid down into the oncoming train.

"It's an unfortunate accident. If it was a guarded crossing, could it have been prevented? Absolutely," said Lt. Bill Seibert of the Saratoga County Sheriff's Department.

Police also said the side wings of the plow were up which could have limited their vision.

Meanwhile, Petteys said he knows the police investigation is finished but just can't accept what happened.

"They are going to do their job, that's what they are there for and I've got to continue with the help of my men, to do our jobs," he said.

No one from the police department or the railroad company knew who would be responsible for putting a crossing at the intersection. It's actually a dead end with just two houses on the other side.

A spokesman for Canadian Pacific Railroad said they have no plans to install a signal but are always open to talking about safety.

The spokesman for the railroad company said there's no given rule when it comes to putting a signal at the private crossing like that. He said one formula they use is multiply the number of cars that cross the tracks by the number of trains that travel it, to figure out if it's eligible for a crossing.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Suit: Taconic wrong-way crash victims suffered terror, pain

Via MattarMedia WHITE PLAINS - Relatives of two victims of the wrong-way crash that killed eight people on a New York highway are claiming their loved ones suffered terror and pain before they died.

A lawsuit to be filed Thursday targets the estate of Diane Schuler, who was driving the minivan that slammed into an SUV carrying Michael and Guy Bastardi on July 26.

Schuler, her daughter, three nieces and another man in the Bastardis' vehicle also were killed.

The lawsuit echoes the findings of a criminal investigation that concluded Schuler was drunk, high on marijuana, and driving the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway.

A copy of the lawsuit was obtained by The Associated Press.

It claims the Bastardis suffered "pre-impact terror" and mental anguish, as well as pain from serious injuries.

Bus Rollover On NYS Thruway

Via MattarMedia Clarence, NY (WKBW) - Several people are hurt, some seriously, after a bus flips on its side on the New York State Thruway.

This rollover accident happened on the 90 West near Clarence, NY. 15 people were on the "Mega Bus" when it flipped. It is not clear where the bus was headed or coming from at this time.

The Eyewitness News photographer on the scene saw at least one person taken by stretcher to an ambulance. Others were taken to firetrucks that arrived on the scene to be checked out and kept out of the cold.

A triage was set up with the County coordinator on the scene. Eyewitness News will be following this story throughout the morning.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Camillus Police search for hit and run driver

Via MattarMedia Camillus (WSYR-TV) - The Camillus Police Department is on the lookout for a driver involved in a hit and run accident.

The accident happened on West Genesee Street at Hinsdale road Tuesday afternoon, near the Walgreen’s drug store.

Police said a 16-year-old girl was crossing West Genesee at around 2:15pm when she was hit by a car. The car then took off and headed west.

Witnesses described the car as dark colored and possibly green.

The girl did have head and leg injuries, but she is expected to be okay.

Anyone who may have information that can help police track down that driver should call police at 487-0102.

15-year old driver pursued by police

Via MattarMedia DeWitt (WSYR-TV) - A 15-year old driver and a 14-year old passenger in a stolen vehicle led State Police on a pursuit on Interstate 481 in the Town of DeWitt Monday.

State Police say the pursuit began when they tried to stop the 2008 Ford Focus for speeding. The pursuit ended when the driver complied and pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody and issued Family Court appearance tickets.

The 15-year old driver had stolen the vehicle from his grandmother’s home in Lysander. He is charged with Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property, and Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer.

The 14-year old passenger was charged with Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Police say speed likely contributed to Sullivan County crash

Via MattarMedia SULLIVAN COUNTY, N.Y. - Police say excessive speed likely played a role in a car accident that killed four men and left two others in critical condition Saturday.

A police spokesman says a car was traveling on a rural road in Sullivan County when it failed to make a turn, sideswiped another car and hit a tree. The spokesman says the car split in half upon impact.

The two survivors were in critical condition Sunday afternoon at Westchester Medical Center, but their updated conditions are not known.

"Just slow down" warn police after several accidents involving a total of nine vehicles

Via MattarMedia UTICA - Utica fire and police officials responded to multiple accidents on the Route 12 South ramp from Route 790 at about 2:55 p.m. Monday.

"There appears to be several two and three car accidents, at this time, totaling to at least nine cars involved, but separate accidents," said Utica police sergeant Michael D'Ambro while on the scene.

There were no serious injuries or serious damages to the vehicles. He said the ramp will be salted and advises motorists to drive carefully in snowy conditions.

"Just slow down," he said. "Some spots on the bridge, they can ice up pretty quick."

Crash leads to arrests of bank robbery suspects

Via MattarMedia ALBANY, N.Y. - A car crash over the weekend leads police to the two suspects wanted in the robbery of a Key Bank last week on Colvin Avenue in Albany.

Police arrested John Waring, 35, Saturday morning after he was involved in a car crash. The responding officer said he recognized the car as the one involved in last Tuesday's robbery.

Waring later admitted that he robbed the bank. He then told police David Maker, 31, was the getaway driver. Maker was arrested in his South Lake Avenue apartment hours later, along with two other men who police said were involved in a drug deal.

Both Maker and Waring were arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court on second-degree robbery charges Sunday morning.

Monday, December 7, 2009

2 taken to hospital after serious car crash in Penfield

Via MattarMedia - Monroe County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a serious car crash in Penfield.

Crews responded Sunday morning to Empire Boulevard near the southern tip of Irondequoit Bay.

Investigators say Nicholas Kerbs was driving the car and t-boned a pickup truck pulling out of a business. There are reports Kerbs was speeding.

Kerbs was not wearing his seatbelt and is listed in guarded condition at Rochester General Hospital. The driver of the pickup truck was also taken to RGH. We're still waiting on his name and condition.

Weezer tour bus crashes off Thruway

Via MattarMedia GLEN, N.Y. -- Fans of Alternative rock band "Weezer" may have to wait to hear the band play. The band was involved in an accident early Sunday morning on the State Thruway.

Police say one of the band's five tour buses slid off the highway went over a guardrail and landed on a ditch. The bus was traveling from Toronto and headed to Boston, the latest stop of their Ratitude tour.

Inside the bus were five passengers including the band's lead singer Rivers Cuomo, his wife, daughter and an assistant.

Cuomo and the band's assistant were taken here to St. Mary’s Hospital which is a few miles away from the accident. Officials say Cuomo was complaining of having rib pain but over all they were both treated for minor injuries.

Police don't suspect drugs or alcohol are the factors of the accident. They do believe the weather and icy conditions are to blame.

Sweet Home crash leaves three injured

Via MattarMedia AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Three people are recovering from injuries suffered in an accident, in Amherst.

Two vehicles collided near Sweet Home and Rensch, around 6 p.m. Sunday.

Three people were taken from the scene by ambulance.

There's no word on their names or conditions.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Cops: 4 kids hurt in crash at Ind. day care center

Via MattarMedia INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A sport utility vehicle fleeing police officers crashed into a day care center Thursday, injuring four children and an employee, police said.

About 18 children were inside the Stepping Stones Child Care when the SUV slammed into the brick building on the city's north side around 12:15 p.m., Lt. Jeff Duhamell said.

Kara Hardister, who runs the day care, said the crash sent bricks flying into a room for 3-year-olds just before their nap time.

One of the four children was in critical but stable condition at Methodist Hospital, while the other three had non-life-threatening injuries, Duhamell said. A woman working at the day care center suffered a broken leg when she was struck by bricks, and another person was injured when the SUV hit a car during the police chase. Duhamell said those injuries weren't serious.

He said police apprehended two people in the SUV, one of whom required stitches to a hand.

Officers were chasing the SUV following an armed robbery at a nearby Family Dollar store when the crash occurred, Duhamell said.

Tenants in a nearby building said the crash sounded like gunfire. The SUV remained lodged in the side of the day care more than an hour later.

Whittney Rutland said she raced to the day care center to check on her 3-year-old son, Armohni Preswood, after hearing about the crash. She ran through the police tape and found out that her son was safe and had been taken to another day care nearby.

"I ran through there and stuff was dropping out of my purse," she said. "I was so scared."

Hardister said 40 to 45 children are typically in the building midday, but about two dozen were on a field trip at the time of the crash.

"It's just senseless, just senseless, that innocent people have to go through this," she said.

Jamesville man arrested for DWI for 7th time

Via MattarMedia North Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A Jamesville man told police he was going to state prison after he was arrested for his 7th DWI early Thursday morning.

Police noticed a trailer being towed by 47-year-old David Bertelli of Jamesville did not have a registration sticker affixed to it. While a DMV check was being performed, police saw Bertelli's truck cross the double yellow lane divider lines.

Bertelli failed a field sobriety test after admitting that he’d had “too much beer for this conversation” with police.

Bertelli told police that it was going to be his 7th DWI arrest. Bertelli’s blood alcohol content was .14%, almost twice the legal limit.

Bertelli was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, a class D Felony, due to the fact he had two DWI convictions within the last ten years. He was also charged with having a BAC of more than .08%, operating with a suspended registration, unregistered trailer, uninspected trailer, failure to keep right, and consuming an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Bertelli was arraigned in North Syracuse Village Court and remanded to the Justice Center in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bail bond. He also had his driver’s license suspended.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Utica couple injured in rollover

Via MattarMedia TRENTON - A Utica couple was injured in a Wednesday evening rollover on Route 12.

Michael Seelman, 20, was trying to avoid a deer about 7 p.m. when he lost control of his car and hit an embankment causing the car to rollover, according to the Oneida County Sheriffs Office.

Seelman sustained minor head injuries. His wife Jamie, 26, had a back injury. Both were taken to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center for treatment.

DWI sweep leads to 7 arrests, 163 tickets

Via MattarMedia WHITESTOWN - Seven people were arrested and more than 160 tickets were issued last weekend as part of a Thanksgiving weekend crackdown on drunken driving and improper use of safety restraints, the Whitesboro Police Department said.

Officers from the Whitestown, Whitesboro, New York Mills and Yorkville police departments worked together between Nov. 25 and 29 to man saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout Whitestown.

As a result, six people were charged with driving while intoxicated, one person was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and 163 tickets were issued for seatbelt violations and other traffic violations, police said.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Police say Tiger Woods at fault in crash

Via MattarMedia ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Highway Patrol says it will issue Tiger Woods a careless driving citation for a car crash outside his Orlando-area mansion last week.

Maj. Cindy Williams said Tuesday that will close the investigation and no criminal charges are being pursued. Woods faces a $164 fine.

According to a patrol accident report, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree at 2:25 a.m. Friday. The airbags did not deploy and Woods' wife told Windermere police she used a golf club to smash the back windows to help him out.

Woods withdrew Monday from his own golf tournament, citing injuries from the crash.

The crash came two days after The National Enquirer published a story alleging that Woods had been seeing a New York nightclub hostess. The woman denies having an affair with Woods.

First Measurable Snow Of Season Results In Plenty Of Accidents

Via MattarMedia - The north country saw its first measurable snowfall Tuesday morning and as a result, law enforcement officials saw plenty of weather related accidents.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a head-on collision on State Route 126 in the Town of Rutland early Tuesday morning.

According to reports, Claire Vincent, from West Carthage, was driving a Ford pick-up truck towards Watertown when she attempted to pass an un-involved vehicle.

Realizing she did not have enough time to pass, she tried to return to her lane, lost control on the snow covered road and swerved back into the on-coming lane.

Vincent struck Karen Shepis, from Watertown, who was driving a Chrysler sedan head-on.

Both were transported to Samaritan Medical Center.

Shepis was transferred to a Syracuse hospital while Vincent was treated for minor injuries and released.

A helicopter was originally called to the scene, but was grounded due to weather.

Officials say charges are pending.

Meanwhile in Canton, a sports utility vehicle rolled over onto its top on Riverside Drive.

Police said snowy conditions contributed to the accident.

No one was seriously hurt; both people in the GMC Yukon were wearing seat belts.

Tow truck drivers were busy throughout the morning Tuesday.

"The roads are getting slick so slow down, take your time, leave home earlier if you're headed to work or school and drive safely," said Kevin Mousaw of the Canton Police Department.

In the town of Canton on Waterman Hill Road, a red car needed to be fetched out of a ditch.

Police said the driver lost control on the snow and ice covered road.

The driver was able to crawl out of the car.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Three people sent to hospital following Paris crash

Via MattarMedia PARIS, N.Y. (WKTV) - Three people have been sent to local hospitals following a multiple vehicle crash Monday afternoon.

Few details were being released at news time, but witnesses at the scene said a car and pickup truck crashed into each other around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Stone Road and Marshall Road in the Town of Paris.

There is currently no word on the extent of injuries or if any tickets will be issued.

Police search for hit and run driver

Via MattarMedia BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police want your help in their search for a hit and run driver.

Investigators were called to an accident at Elmwood and Hinman, on Monday just before 11 p.m.

Two women were treated and released from ECMC.

Police are looking for a green SUV, possibly a jeep that took off heading south on Elmwood.
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