Auburn Man Leaves the Scene of Accident in Elbridge

On August 26, 2024, at 11:09 p.m., State Police responded to the intersection of State Route 5 and Hamilton Road in the town of Elbridge for a personal injury accident.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2022 GMC Sierra driven by Mitchell C. Podolak, age 35, from Auburn, NY, was traveling south on Hamilton Road, when he failed to stop at a red-light at the intersection with Rt.5 and struck a 2009 Honda Civic, operated by Tanner J. Miller, age 17, from Wolcott, NY, that was traveling west on State Route 5.

Witnesses on scene observed Podolak run from the scene of the accident into the woods on Hamilton Road. Onondaga County Sherriff’s Office Helicopter (AIR 1) located the suspect hiding in a wood line near Tessy Plastic and directed Deputies to his location. Deputies had to taser Podolak after he refused to comply.  He was taken into custody without further incident.

Podolak was transported to SP Elbridge and arrested for Leaving the Scene Of Personal Injury Accident 1st degree (class “A” misdemeanor), Leaving the Scene Of Property Damage Accident, Driving While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest (class “A” misdemeanor) and several traffic law violations.

Podolak was transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center for arraignment in Onondaga CAP Court.

Three passengers of the Honda Civic were transported to Upstate with non-life-threatening injuries.

State Police were assisted at the scene by Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Jordan Fire, Jordan Ambulance, and SAVES Ambulance.