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On Saturday, February 25th, around 7 in the morning, officers from the City of Cortland Police Department responded to the area of 70 Homer Ave. in the City of Cortland for a single vehicle crash.
The vehicle had crashed into a utility pole with four people in the vehicle. An adult female passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle died as a result of the crash. Another adult male and adult female were transported to Upstate Hospital with serious injuries. The names have not been released by officials at this time.
The driver of the vehicle, 49 year old Ergardo Rosario of Cortland, complained of chest pain and was treated at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center.
Officers on scene then conducted a Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation and determined that Rosario was driving while under the influence of drugs.
Rosario was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including: Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd, both Felonies, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd, Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs, Reckless Driving, all Misdemeanors, and Speed not Reasonable, a Violation.
The investigation is currently ongoing by Cortland Police with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and Cortland County District Attorney’s Office.
Ergardo Rosario was arraigned in Cortland City Court and then sent to Cortland County Jail. He is due to reappear in City Court in March.
