Driver Jailed After Cortlandville Crash

An Ithaca-area man faces several charges following a two-vehicle crash in Cortland County.

Authorities say 25-year-old Justin Wittko of Freeville was charged with vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated in connection with the Sunday morning collision. It happened about 5:15 a.m. on McLean Road, just west of Lime Hollow Road in the town of Cortlandville.

Wittko also was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly operating with a blood alcohol content over .18 percent.

Wittko was cited for imprudent speed and failure to keep right.

According to the Cortland County Sheriff's Department, Wittko lost control of his eastbound vehicle because of slippery road conditions and imprudent speed.

Wittko's vehicle veered into the westbound lane, striking a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Eric Allen of Blodgett Mills.

Wittko got out of his vehicle before it became engulfed in flames. Allen was extricated from his vehicle by fire and EMS workers.

Allen was taken to a Syracuse hospital for treatment of what police described as severe internal injuries.

A section of McLean Road was closed for about four hours for the crash investigation.

Wittko was arraigned in Cortlandville town court and sent to Cortland County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Investigators say more charges are possible.