On December 25, 2021, at 7:21 p.m., State Police in Herkimer responded to a reported car/bicycle crash on State Route 5 in front of the Town of Schuyler offices.
Upon arrival, it was discovered a man with a walker had been struck by a white Chrysler PT Cruiser which had left the scene. The victim, later identified as 68-year-old Terry Rolfefrom Utica, NY was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Troopers located the Chrysler PT Cruiser a short time and distance from the scene on Concord Drive in the city of Utica. The operator, 36-year-old Christopher A. Melucci from Utica, NY stated he thought he had struck a guard rail and did not realize he had struck a person. Melucci cooperated with State Police, giving an account of what happened, and was tested for any alcohol impairment which was negative. It is noted the deceased was a resident of an assisted living facility and had been diagnosed with dementia.
State Police were assisted at the scene by Schuyler Fire Department and Kunkel Ambulance.
The investigation is continuing.