Tonawanda News — The driver who caused the destructive March accident in the City of Tonawanda surrendered on a warrant Thursday after being released from the hospital, according to police.
Sean P. McGurty, 30, of French Road, Depew, was driving northbound on Delaware Street on March 6 when he crossed the center lines and hit two vehicles before crashing his Jeep Liberty into a utility pole.
“It was a horrible accident,” Lt. Frederic Foles said. “McGurty had a broken arm, spleen, internal injuries, and was very cut up. His stomach was opened up, and they didn’t think he was going to make it at one point.”
Police received a court-order to analyze McGurty’s blood and urine following the accident and received the results in June. Foles said McGurty had Xanax, Suboxone, and freon gas in his system. The impairment caused by the drugs is likely what caused the accident, he said.
The police department consulted the District Attorney’s office to decide on McGurty’s charges, according to Foles. The DA recommended charges of third-degree assault for criminal negligence with a motor vehicle, reckless driving, speeding, unreasonable speeding and crossing the center lines.
McGurty had swerved over the center lines quite sharply, hitting the passenger side of a car driven by Kenmore resident Matthew Bausch, 37. McGurty then hit a vehicle driven by Mary Schumacher, 84, who was also hospitalized.
McGurty then hit the curb and his car toppled over onto its side.
“The roof slammed into the National Grid pole,” Foles said.
It took 20 minutes for officials to extricate McGurty from the vehicle. He was then transported to ECMC for treatment, where he underwent multiple surgeries. He was just recently discharged from the hospital.
Foles said the warrant was filed Monday and McGurty turned himself in two days later.
McGurty was held for arraignment Friday. His bail status following the hearing was not available.
Contact reporter Jessica Bagley at 693-1000, ext. 4150.
Contact reporter Jessica Bagley at 693-1000, ext. 4150.
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