According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on May…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on May 12, 2024, at about 9:51 p.m., Deputies responded to State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville for a reported single-car motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries involving a bear.

On the scene, Deputies determined that George Franco (24) of Albany, NY, was operating a 2011 Volvo 4-door sedan Northbound on State Route 12. A black bear entered the roadway unexpectedly. Franco was unable to avoid the bear, causing heavy front-end damage to the vehicle.

Franco and passenger Bernardo Rosario-Gonzalez (35) of Halfmoon, NY, reported chest and neck pain from the airbag deployment and seatbelts. Both individuals were evaluated at the scene and transported to Lewis County General Hospital for additional evaluation.

No citations were issued.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by the New York State Police, Boonville Fire Company, Boonville Ambulance, and Grower's Collision & Towing of Boonville.