Around 4:40 pm Sunday afternoon, a Homer Police officer observed a blue Hyundai SUV traveling northbound on South Main Street in the Village of Homer failing to use a hands free device while driving, Homer Police informed X101 News.
HPD followed the vehicle turning onto Clinton Street within the village and then attempted to pull the vehicle over. However, the vehicle failed to comply and continued to travel towards the intersection of Northwest Street (Route 281) and Clinton Street. After the light changed to green, the vehicle turned right onto Northwest Street and began to flee at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle tried to then make a right turn onto Phelps Drive, but ended up striking the side of an occupied residence and gas meter attached.
The driver of the vehicle was able to get out of the vehicle and was then taken into custody by officers without incident. Homer Police identified the driver as 45 year old Jeffery A. Fraser of Harrisburg PA.
Due to the vehicle striking an occupied residence and gas meter, the Homer Fire Department responded to the scene as the gas line was severed and created a hazardous condition. The HFD was able to access and then use the gas shutoff to stop the leak. Firefighters remained on scene with NYSEG repairing the line and the vehicle removed from the house.
No one was injured during the crash, including the residents inside the house. Route 281 was closed about two hours.
Fraser was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Speeding in Zone, Failure to Signal, Expired Registration, Using a Mobile Telephone While Driving, Open Container with Alcoholic Beverage in Vehicle.
He also faces additional charges of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st, a Felony, Unlawful Fleeing, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th, both Misdemeanors.
Fraser was arraigned and later released released due to NYS Bail Reform. Assisting the Homer Police Department were Officers from the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, TLC Ambulance, and the Homer Fire Department.
The Red Cross is providing assistance to the residents of the house.
