Village of Mamaroneck: Police Blotter

The week of Christmas was, unfortunately, a busy week news-wise. The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department reported the following incidents:

1) A 71 year-old man is struck by a vehicle on Mamaroneck Avenue: On December 26, 2009, at approximately 6:07 p.m., the Village of Mamaroneck police and fire departments, along with Emergency Medical Services, responded on a report of an automobile incident involving a pedestrian near the intersection of Mamaroneck and Jefferson avenues, according to police reports. 

Upon arrival, treatment was provided to the victim, who was found unconscious. Subsequently, police closed down the scene of the accident so that an investigation could begin. The victim was then transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, where he was treated, officials said. 

Witnesses on the scene at the time of the incident were located and the on-call detective reported to the scene. The Westchester County Police Accident Investigation Unit was also there for further investigation due to the seriousness of the pedestrian's injuries, said Lt. James P. Gaffney.

Currently, there is no cause for arrest of the driver, Peter Hand, a 61 year-old Port Chester resident. Hand was interviewed after the incident, when officials learned that, right before the accident, Hand was driving northbound and in the left lane of Mamaroneck Avenue. The pedestrian allegedly stepped in front of his vehicle, a 2009 Honda, which led to the pedestrian being hit by the right front of the car, Hand reportedly said. After being struck, the pedestrian made contact with the car's windshield and subsequently fell to the ground.

"The driver says he didn't see the pedestrian until he hit him," said Gaffney. "The pedestrian appeared to have no regard for incoming traffic." 

The pedestrian is 71 years old and lives in New Rochelle. As of Monday, Dec. 28, he was reported to be under medical attention. "We haven't been told that he's worsened," said Gaffney. 

2) A drunk driver flees the scene of the accident after hitting another vehicle: On Christmas Eve at approximately 6:22 p.m., it was reported that a drunk driver had struck another vehicle near the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Fenimore Road, police said.  

John Balascio, 65, of Harrison, allegedly left the scene of the accident and was followed by the victim. He was later stopped on Halstead Avenue, where he showed signs of intoxication, police said. 

Balascio was charged with DWI and was given a summons for leaving the scene. He was also given the opportunity to take a breath test, but declined, according to official reports. 

3) Four vehicles are damaged overnight on Old Post Road: On Dec. 27 at approximately 10:55 p.m., a vehicle owner reported that his vehicle had been ransacked and the window smashed while it was parked on Old Post Road, near Old Post Lane. Nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle. 

After receiving the report, police officers canvassed the area and found three additional vehicles with broken windows. A GPS was found and secured and all vehicle owners were notified of the incidents. Four reports of criminal mischief were filed. 

4) A brush fire in the Mamaroneck High School track area is put out: On Dec. 27, at approximately 11:12 p.m., police received a report of a small brush fire in the high school track area. The circumstances behind the incident are under investigation. 

5) A village resident is arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend: On Dec. 28, at approximately, 2:30 a.m., Marc Kelly, 52, who lives in the village of Mamaroneck, was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, 53, who is also a village resident. 

According to police reports, the female came home after the incident and someone who saw her called the police. Kelly allegedly hit her in the face, which caused "substantial injuries," said Lt. Gaffney. The victim was taken to Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle.

Kelly was taken into custody, but later complained of chest pain and was taken to White Plains Hospital, where he was treated and released. He remains in custody and has been charged with assault in the second degree. 

6) Several side view mirrors are broken on Rockland Avenue: On Dec. 28, at approximately 7:40 a.m., a man reported that the passenger's side view mirror of his car had been broken. He had parked on Rockland Avenue, near Cortlandt Avenue. After the area was searched, three other vehicles with the same damages were found. Four reports of criminal mischief were filed. 

7) Hazardous fluids are spilled on roadway: On Dec. 26, at around noon, a driver reported that oil had been spilled on a sidewalk near 252 Mamaroneck Ave. It was later reported that five gallons of heating oil had been accidentally spilled, according to police reports. The driver laid down a pad to temporarily fix the issue. The fire department later covered the area with sand. The Westchester Health Department reported to the scene and no one was ticketed. 

The Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department could not be reached for comment on recent incidents.