Skip to main content

Driver either swerved to avoid deer or fell asleep

By Howard B. Owens

A driver says he swerved to avoid a deer on North Byron Road this morning, which caused his car to go of the road and strike a tree.

The driver suffered minor facial cuts and did not require transport to a hospital.

Deputy Chris Parker, however, writes in his report, that he couldn't find evidence of a deer in the area.

"Investigating officer was unable to observe any fresh tracks near the roadway at the scene," Parker writes in his report. "No evasive maneuvers able to be observed prior to vehicle exiting the roadway. Appeared as driver may have fallen asleep as the tire tracks indicated a linear exit from the paved surface."

The driver, Joseph T. Bortle, 39, of Knowlesville Road, was not cited.

The accident occurred at 7:11 a.m. in the area of 5335 North Byron Road, Elba.

(Initial Report)

Authentically Local