According to Sheriff Christopher Bourke, the Undersheriff was out assisting Public Health with quarantine and isolation compliance checks on people that refuse to cooperate with Public Health Officials when the accident occurred.
“We have several locations throughout the county that we are working with Orleans County Public Health on,” says Bourke.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Undersheriff Mele was west bound on Rt. 31 when an eastbound vehicle began going out of control on the slippery road surface. The Undersheriff took evasive action , turning hard to the right to avoid a direct head-on collision.
The out of control vehicle reportedly struck the Undersheriff s vehicle as it left the north shoulder of the highway. The Undersheriff’s vehicle then continued through a lawn and struck a house.
The other driver was reportedly not injured.
Undersheriff Mele was transported by COVA ambulance to Strong Hospital in Rochester where he remains. He is being treated for a head, rib and leg injuries.
The accident is being investigated by the NYSP and the Orleans County Sheriffs Office.
“The evasive action taken by Undersheriff Mele in all likelihood saved the life of the other driver. We at the Sheriff’s Office are thankful for the quick response of the Albion Fire Department, COVA Ambulance, Sheriff’s Deputies, Emergency Management and the NYSP.”