(WNY News Now) – NEWFANE, N.Y. — A two-vehicle crash in the Town of Newfane on April 8 left multiple people seriously injured, including a child, and resulted in a driving while intoxicated arrest under Leandra’s Law, according to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at approximately 6:16 p.m. to the intersection of Day Road and Wheeler Road for a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries. An investigation determined that a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling northbound on Day Road failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection, striking a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox traveling eastbound on Wheeler Road.
Following the collision, the pickup truck rolled over multiple times. Authorities said two passengers in the truck were ejected, including a 13-year-old child. Investigators determined that none of the occupants in the pickup were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Both ejected passengers sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet Equinox also suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. All injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The driver of the Dodge Ram, identified as Jonpaul Oliver, 50, of Franklinton, North Carolina, was found to be under the influence of drugs, according to deputies. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated by drugs, aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law due to the presence of a child passenger, and endangering the welfare of a child. Additional vehicle and traffic charges are pending.
Oliver also sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital. He is expected to appear in court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Wright’s Corners, Miller Hose, Rapids, and City of Lockport fire companies, along with Tri-Town Ambulance and Mercy EMS.
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