Onondaga County Sheriff’s Investigators say a DWI crash on Route 31 in Clay has left a resident homeless for the holidays. The accident happened in the middle of the night on Wednesday, shortly after 1 AM near the intersection of Caughdenoy Road. Public Information Officer Jon Seeber says the driver struck three different points.
“… one being the mailbox and then with the over-correction, Mr. (Brian) Aust struck a parked vehicle and then off the vehicle he slammed into the house. He actually cut the gas-line to the house which started that fire.”
Seeber says the driver of a 2010 Hyundai Elantra, 37 year-old Brian Aust of 8079 Stearns Road in Clay was behind the wheel traveling eastbound on Route 31 near the intersection of Caughdenoy Road. Aust is charged with DWI, first degree unlicensed operation, speeding and for failure to keep right. After the crash, the homeowner and another family member rushed outside.
“They realized that the occupant of the vehicle was still inside the vehicle, at which time they rendered to his aid and were able to get him out of that car before the car became fully engulfed in flames.”
In this case, Seeber says it’s fortunate the victims are also ok… however, a drunk driver has ruined the holidays for someone else.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. It’s left them homeless for the holiday. I’m hoping they’ll be able to rebuild and get back in there before Christmas or sometime shortly after.”
Seeber says there was significant structural damage to the home. Aust suffered non-life threatening injuries. He’s due to appear in Town of Clay Court on December 9th.
