The Town of Webb Police concluded a week-long investigation regarding a log truck vs. snowmobile personal injury accident that occurred January 14, 2016 on the Big Moose Road, approximately two miles south of Stillwater Road.
The snowmobile operator, Kyle R. Hamann, 22, of 2190 Three Rod Road, East Aurora, NY was traveling southbound when he was surprised by a passing log truck and was unable to control his snowmobile.
The operator was ejected from the sled and the snowmobile made contact with the log truck’s front bumper.
The snowmobiler was transported via Old Forge Ambulance for injuries sustained.
The snowmobile operator was found to be at fault for the accident and was ticketed for Imprudent Speed.
The driver of the log truck, Michael J. Gerace, 32, of 613 Post Street, Boonville, NY was arrested on January 20, 2016 for operating a commercial vehicle (18-wheel log truck) with multiple suspensions on his drivers’ license.
Gerace initially stopped immediately following the accident but then fled the scene when witnesses advised that they had called 911.
Gerace was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accident, and Operating Out of Class.
The owner of the trucking company, Harold M. Thompson, 53, of 7565 Snell Road, Lowville, NY failed to report the accident and knowingly permitted Gerace to operate his log trucks while not possessing a commercial drivers’ license and having a suspended driving privilege in New York State.
Thompson was interviewed by police earlier in the week and lied about the incident in an attempt to cover up any involvement. Thompson was arrested on January 22, 2016 for Obstructing Governmental Administration and Permitting Unlicensed Operation.
All parties are due in the Town of Webb Court at a later date. The New York State DOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit was also advised of the incident and is investigating same in regards to T & T Logging based out of Lowville, NY.
