State Police are releasing details about a fatal accident last night in Central New York that involved an off-duty police officer.

It happened at around 7:00pm on Friday (December 17, 2021) on Northern Boulevard near the intersection of Totman Road in Cicero.

Totman Road and Northern Boulevard in Cicero, New York Photo Credit: Google Maps 2021
Totman Road and Northern Boulevard in Cicero, New York Photo Credit: Google Maps 2021
loading...

According to a written release from New York State Police a preliminary investigation has determined that "... a 20-year-old male, identified as Chatuma M. Crawford from Kirkville, New York, was walking along Northern Blvd when he entered the roadway to retrieve his cell phone and walked into the path of a 2018 Toyota operated by Michael A. Aregano, age 52 from Cicero, New York that was traveling south on Northern Boulevard."

2021-12-17 21_35_01 Photo Credit: New York State Police
2021-12-17 21_35_01 Photo Credit: New York State Police
loading...

Mr. Aregano, an off-duty police officer from Cicero, and his passenger were brought to the hospital for evaluation and possible treatment.  Mr. Crawford was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

In keeping with State Police regulations a State Police Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) was sent to the hospital as well to evaluate Mr. Aregano for any drug or alcohol impairment.  That evaluation resulted in negative results, indicating drugs and alcohol were not factors for the off-duty officer.

The New York State Attorney General's Office will handle the investigation as required by law in cases involving law enforcement.

Anyone who may have been in the area of the accident, or who may have additional information, should call the New York State Attorney General's Office.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE:  This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information from New York State Police.  No additional information is available at this time.]

The Utica Fire Department 'Firehouse Lights' Competition

Here you can view each of the light displays outside each of the firehouses in the Utica Fire Department. You can vote on their Facebook page and are welcome to take a walking tour of each of the houses.

What's New in 2022? New Laws Taking Effect in New York

What's new in 2022? Several new laws take effect in New York to start the new year.

300 of these Majestic White Deer Live in Upstate NY!

Located Just Outside Syracuse, This Little House Is Straight Out of a Storybook

This adorable house looks like something straight out of a storybook. Located in Fayetteville, New York, this two bedroom, two bath house is for sale for an adorable price, too - $79,900.

More From Lite 98.7