PD: Bartender Who Crashed, Abandoned Car After Drinking Blamed a Deer

A bartender who drank several alcoholic beverages at two restaurants after a late-night shift crashed into a mailbox, then told police a deer ran across his path, according to Middletown Police.

On May 4 at 2:15 a.m., Erik V. Ciccarello, 22, was involved in a single-car accident on Newfield Street and fled the scene, according to the report. Police say a witness saw Ciccarello driving a white Honda Civic which crashed and a man with dreadlocks helped remove a mailbox from the damaged wheel area of Ciccarello's car, and he then drove a bit and abandoned the car. 

At 4:30 a.m., police say Ciccarello walked into headquarters to report the accident, saying he went with friends to Esca at 8:30 p.m., where he works as a bartender, and consumed one drink.

At 11 p.m., the report says, he left and went to La Boca restaurant and drank two more. Police say he admitted to having a shot at each place, then while driving along Newfield, a deer ran in front of his car.

His reason for fleeing the scene, police say, was because he was not from the area and was concerned for his well-being. He told officers he was driving 35 miles per hour (exactly the posted speed limit, the report says) and didn't know the man with the dreadlocks.

He was charged with evading responsibility and failure to drive upon the right. 

For the latest on this and all news from Middletown, subscribe to our newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.