ITHACA, N.Y. — The Ithaca Police Department made one arrest in connection to a car crash in the city over the weekend and are investigating another.
Lt. Barry Banfield wrote in a press release that police were called to a hit-and-run incident on East Seneca Street on Saturday morning around 6 a.m. The vehicle involved was found later in a nearby parking lot, but the driver fled in the car before returning to the scene after a brief period of time, Banfield said.
Banfield said the driver was “initially physically resist[ant]” to police but eventually calmed down. A search of the car found alcohol bottles, drug paraphernalia and a loaded magazine for a handgun, and Banfield said the driver was arrested on “numerous” charges related to impaired driving.
The driver is a minor and Banfield did not disclose their identity. As of Saturday evening, Banfield said the driver was awaiting arraignment.
A separate incident took place overnight Friday but is still under investigation. IPD Sgt. Jacob Allard stated that a motor vehicle crash took place at the intersection of West Buffalo Street and Fulton Street just before 1 a.m.
One of the involved people was on-scene when officers arrived and was subsequently treated for non-life threatening injuries at a hospital. The occupants of another involved car had left the scene of the crash on foot after their vehicle had hit a building in the 700 block of West Buffalo Street, causing some damage.
Allard said Ithaca Fire Department, Bang’s Ambulance, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police also responded. The investigation is ongoing and the police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
If you appreciate our coverage, please consider becoming a monthly donor to show your commitment to reliable local journalism.