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A Cortland man was charged with vehicular homicide following an early Saturday morning car accident on Homer Avenue, according to a city police department report.
The report stated that city police responded to a fatal car accident on Homer Avenue at 7:15 a.m. this past Saturday. The vehicle, which had four individuals inside it, crashed into a utility pole. One of the individuals, an adult female, died from the accident.
Ergardo Rosario, 49, the driver of the vehicle, complained of chest pain and was taken to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center for further treatment. Other adult individuals were transported to Upstate University Hospital to treat serious injuries, the report noted.
While Rosario was being treated, he took a drug recognition expert evaluation, where he was found to be under the influence of drugs, according to the report.
Rosario was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide (a Class-B Felony), second-degree vehicular manslaughter (a Class-D Felony), second-degree reckless engagement and operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs (both misdemeanors), reckless driving (a misdemeanor) and for speed not reasonable and prudent (a violation).
Rosario was arraigned and sent to Cortland County Jail. He is due to appear in city court on March 15.
The report stated the investigation is ongoing. City police are being assisted by the Cortland County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices, along with the New York State Police on this investigation.
City police did not provide further information on the incident. The Cortland Voice will provide updates once they are received.
