Auburn man found by sheriff’s helicopter and tasered after fleeing car crash

ELBRIDGE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Just after 11 p.m. on Aug. 26, State Police were sent to the intersection of Route 5 and Hamilton Road, in the Town of Elbridge, for a personal injury accident.

According to troopers, a preliminary investigation showed that a 2022 GMC Sierra — which was driven by 35-year-old Mitchell Podolak, of Auburn — was headed south on Hamilton Road when he went through a red light.

The truck then collided with a 2009 Honda Civic — driven by a 17-year-old from Wolcott — at the intersection at Route 5.

“Witnesses on scene observed Podolak run from the scene of the accident into the woods on Hamilton Road,” said NYSP.

Onondaga County’s Sheriff’s helicopter, Air 1, found Podolak hiding in the wood line near Tessy Plastics. Those inside the helicopter told deputies where to find him.

However, when they got to him, he refused to comply with the police, leading to him being tasered. He was then taken into custody without incident.

Podolak was taken to the State Police bridge and arrested for:

• Leaving the Scene Of Personal Injury Accident 1st degree (class “A” misdemeanor)
• Leaving the Scene Of Property Damage Accident
• Driving While Intoxicated
• Resisting Arrest (class “A” misdemeanor)
• Several traffic law violations

He was taken to the Onondaga County Justice Center for arraignment in Onondaga CAP Court.

State Police were assisted at the scene by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Jordan Fire, Jordan Ambulance, and SAVES Ambulance.

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