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Two drivers in East Pembroke ATV crash facing DWI charges

By Howard B. Owens

The two drivers reportedly involved in an ATV crash Sunday night have both been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Charles R. Chatley, 26, of 2392 Kilian Road, Corfu, was also charged with unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway.

Stephen R. Smelski, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is also charged with unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Witnesses say Smelski was the most seriously injured of the four people involved in the accident and he's the one victim still hospitalized, though he's listed in good condition at ECMC.

An East Pembroke Fire Department 1st assistant chief and Genesee County emergency dispatcher, Smelski was reportedly taken by private vehicle to UMMC following the accident and later transported to ECMC.

The accident was reported at 11:09 p.m. Sunday in the area of 2069 E. Main St., East Pembroke.

Also injured were passengers Kristina Rumble, 26, and Brenda Smelski, 37.

Brenda Smelski was treated and released at ECMC, as was Chatley.  Rumble, who was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight, was released from the hospital two days ago.

Chatley is a 2nd assistant chief with East Pembroke.

The accident occurred the same date as the annual East Pembroke Mud Races, hosted by the fire department, but the accident was hours after the event ended and at least a mile from the mud pits. 

The accident was investigated by deputies Jason Saile and James Diehl and Sgt. Eric Seppala.

George Larish II

This was a long time coming. I live on Slusser road in East Pembroke. These guys, among others, ride their atv's up and down my road (not just crossing) Thursday through Sunday from 5 pm until 2 or 3 in the morning doing 50-70 mph. Cars do it as well but that will be saved for when an idiot drives off the one way bridge doing 70. With an almost 3 year old trying to sleep it gets super annoying. No one died, so cool. That means that I can say that I'm glad this happened. Maybe the cops will be more aware of the d-bags in East Pembroke speeding up and down roads with atv's and snowmobiles and actually do something about it. With the exception of one person that is involved with the East Pembroke fire department, this should show the rest of you that you are not above the law just because you're a volunteer fireman. Just sucks that something this drastic had to happen for people to actually see that this may be an issue. Silly people and their god complexes. Stay classy East Pembroke.

Aug 27, 2014, 1:52am Permalink

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