Sheriff’s Office Investigates Serious One Vehicle Personal Injury Accident in Ghent
Ghent, NY- Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that on April 26, 2016 at approximately 1:11am, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to a one vehicle accident on Water Street, just east of Nelson Avenue in the Town of Ghent.
Deputies found that a 2002 GMC pick-up truck, operated by 28 year old Charles M. Stickles of Ghent, was traveling westbound on Water Street and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed over the center of the roadway, struck a tree on the south side of the roadway with the passenger side of the vehicle, and came to rest facing west.
The passenger, 31 year old Matthew West also of Ghent, was seriously injured and had to be extricated from the vehicle by Ghent and Chatham Fire Departments. West was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Life Net with severe head injuries.
The driver fled the scene prior to Deputies arriving, but returned to the scene. Stickles was treated for injuries and transported by Chatham Rescue Squad to Albany Medical Center.
At this time, the investigation is currently in the preliminary stages; however investigators are looking into speed and alcohol as contributing factors in the accident. Possible charges are pending and the Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
Chatham Rescue Squad, Ghent Fire Department and Chatham Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office at the scene are Sheriff David Bartlett, Undersheriff John Davi, Captain John DeRocha, Sr. Investigator William Foster, Investigator William Dunspaugh, K9 Deputy Chad Shufelt, Deputy Jeffrey Hofstetter, and Deputy Bernard Roberts.
