According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Rome…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Rome man was injured accidentally while looking to buy a vehicle on Route 26 in Ava.

On 08/10/2020 at approximately 8:57 AM, Frank Mellace, 87, of Rome was visiting a friend at 11755 Route 26 in the Town of Ava and standing outside of an unoccupied, but running Dodge RAM 2500 pickup when the vehicle went into gear and started moving forward. Mellace was propelled into another vehicle which was parked nearby and sustained injuries to his torso. Mellace was transported by AmCare ambulance to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Utica. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.

Members of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office were assisted on scene by the New York State Police, the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Department and AmCare ambulance.