Endicott man charged for fatal hit and run

TOWN OF DICKINSON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An Endicott man is facing felony charges after fleeing the scene of a fatal hit and run on Monday.

On Monday, Sept. 9, at approximately 9:29 p.m., the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol responded to a report of a man lying on the side of the road near the intersection of Upper Front Street and Bevier Street in the Town of Dickinson.

Upon arrival, Sheriff’s deputies along with a Broome County Security Officer located the man who had sustained significant injuries. First responders then provided life-saving measures however, due to the extent of his injuries, the victim, who was identified as 43-year-old Jamel Smalls of Binghamton was declared dead at the scene.

An initial investigation determined that Smalls had been struck by a vehicle that had fled the scene, leaving behind debris. Broome County Sheriff’s Detectives and Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, officers received information regarding the location of a
possible suspect in the Town of Maine. Officers were able to then locate Christian Rogler, 21.

Rogler was detained and brought to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Rogler displayed signs of impairment. A Drug Recognition Expert soon responded to conduct an assessment.

It was determined that Rogler was traveling south on Upper Front St. at the intersection
of Bevier St. when he allegedly struck the Smalls in the crosswalk of Upper Front St. Rogler did not stop to check on Smalls and continued to his destination. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Rogler had significant damage to his vehicle and also acknowledged that he struck a pedestrian. Investigators determined that Rogler was impaired by drugs when he hit Smalls with his vehicle.

Rogler also possessed methamphetamine on his person when he was detained.

As a result of the investigation, Rogler was charged with the following:

• Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony
• Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident, a Class D Felony
• Driving while Impaired (Drugs), a Misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor

Rogler was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail where he remains in custody.

“Our deep condolences go out to the family of Mr. Smalls, as there is nothing that can undo
their loss,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar. “Amidst this senseless tragedy, I pray that they might take
some solace in the efforts of our team of investigators to swiftly bring the fleeing perpetrator of
this crime to justice. I could not be prouder of their tireless and thorough police work in solving
this case. I also want to thank our community members for responding to this tragedy and
providing vital information to help our investigators quickly bring this case to a close.”

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