An officer who won an award for being the Skaneateles Police Department's 2006 top performer in enforcement of intoxicated drivers was injured Thursday by a motorist who was charged with drunk driving.
Marcellus resident Jay A. Searle, 40, allegedly ran a stop sign and broadsided Auburn resident William Marventano's car on the driver's side at 10:15 p.m. Thursday in Marcellus, said Sgt. John D'Eredita of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office.
Marventano, a Skaneateles police officer, and his wife were returning home after a departmental dinner with other officers and village and town officials, Skaneateles Police Chief Lloyd Perkins said. A fellow officer was following Marventano and witnessed the crash, he added.
Marventano, 58, was in serious condition at University Hospital Friday after he was ejected from his car on impact, despite wearing his seat belt. His wife, Debbie, 51, was released from Crouse Hospital later Thursday evening.
Marventano joined the Skaneateles Police Department in 1987 and also is head of security at Cayuga Community College.
“He's a great guy,” Perkins said. “He's not just a worker here, he's a friend.”
Searle, of 2413 Glover Road A-1, drove his Pontiac Grand Am northbound on Bishop Hill Road and ran a stop sign, authorities said. The Auburn couple's Chrysler Sebring was headed west on Lee-Mulroy Road when it was struck in the intersection.
Their Chrysler was nearly cut in half, Perkins said. The impact pushed the car off the north side of the road.
“It was tremendous damage,” Perkins said. “They are lucky to be alive.”
The Onondaga Sheriff Office charged Searle with driving while intoxicated, failing to stop at a stop sign, first-degree vehicular assault and a breath test violation.
He was sent to the Onondaga County Justice Center on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, Jan. 17, D'Eredita said.
Searle was treated at Community General Hospital Thursday evening.
Marcellus Volunteer Fire Department, Marcellus Ambulance, Mercy Flight, Skaneateles Fire and Police departments, state police and Onondaga Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
Marventano, a Skaneateles police officer, and his wife were returning home after a departmental dinner with other officers and village and town officials, Skaneateles Police Chief Lloyd Perkins said. A fellow officer was following Marventano and witnessed the crash, he added.
Marventano, 58, was in serious condition at University Hospital Friday after he was ejected from his car on impact, despite wearing his seat belt. His wife, Debbie, 51, was released from Crouse Hospital later Thursday evening.
Marventano joined the Skaneateles Police Department in 1987 and also is head of security at Cayuga Community College.
“He's a great guy,” Perkins said. “He's not just a worker here, he's a friend.”
Searle, of 2413 Glover Road A-1, drove his Pontiac Grand Am northbound on Bishop Hill Road and ran a stop sign, authorities said. The Auburn couple's Chrysler Sebring was headed west on Lee-Mulroy Road when it was struck in the intersection.
Their Chrysler was nearly cut in half, Perkins said. The impact pushed the car off the north side of the road.
“It was tremendous damage,” Perkins said. “They are lucky to be alive.”
The Onondaga Sheriff Office charged Searle with driving while intoxicated, failing to stop at a stop sign, first-degree vehicular assault and a breath test violation.
He was sent to the Onondaga County Justice Center on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, Jan. 17, D'Eredita said.
Searle was treated at Community General Hospital Thursday evening.
Marcellus Volunteer Fire Department, Marcellus Ambulance, Mercy Flight, Skaneateles Fire and Police departments, state police and Onondaga Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
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