On October 29, 2021, at 10:38 p.m., State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 5 in the town of Schuyler, Herkimer County.
The accident investigation has determined a 2011 Cadillac DTS, operated by Nicholas P. Cecilia, age 24, from Utica, NY, was traveling west on State Route 5 when he crossed over into the eastbound lane and struck a 2019 Ford Escape head-on. After the crash, Cecilia fled from the scene on foot and was later located approximately 1/3 of a mile west on Rt. 5 when he jumped onto the hood of a vehicle that was stopped in traffic near the intersection with Oak Hill Road.
Cecilia admitted that he was involved in the crash and that he had used an illicit drug prior to driving. The operator of the Ford Escape, James M. Palumbo, age 64, from Frankfort, NY, was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with severe internal injuries and was listed in serious condition.
Cecilia was arrested for DWAI –Drugs (an unclassified misdemeanor), Vehicular Assault 2nddegree (E-felony), Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Injury (E-felony), and several vehicle and traffic violations. He was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Schuyler Town Court on November 22, 2021, at 5 p.m.