The driver in the fatal accident that killed a 20-year-old bicyclist has been charged with drunken driving and vehicular homicide, according to Rome Police.
Jasmine Finch, age 20, of Rome, was identified Friday as the victim in the fatal accident at the intersection of Black River Boulevard and East Dominick Street shortly before midnight on Thursday, police said. Her companion, 33-year-old Travis Carpenter, of Rome, was listed in stable condition at University Hospital in Syracuse, police stated.
The driver of the car, 21-year-old Greish M. Ortega-Lebron, has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater, police stated. Ortega-Lebron is awaiting arraignment at the county jail.
Police said Finch and Carpenter were bicycling across the intersection from East Dominick Street shortly before midnight on Thursday when they were struck by a southbound motor vehicle, driven by Ortega-Lebron. The speed limit is 30 mph at the intersection, which is controlled by a traffic light.
Finch was pronounced dead at the scene. Carpenter was air-lifted at Mercy Flight helicopter to University Hospital in Syracuse. Police said he was in stable condition.
Police have not yet released whether Finch and Carpenter were wearing helmets or reflective clothing. Police have also not said who had the right of way or if Ortega-Lebron was speeding.
Neither Ortega-Lebron or her passenger were injured, authorities said.
The collision remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information pertaining to the crash is asked to call Detective Sharon Rood at the Rome Police Department at 315-339-7715. All calls will be kept confidential.
Source: ROME SENTINEL