GENESEO – The bear fountain just can’t catch a break lately. Geneseo Police allege that a drunk driver again hit the fountain that has been damaged by vehicles twice within the past year.
According to a press release from Geneseo Police Chief Eric Osganian, Ryan Sweeney, 37, of Springville, NY was charged with misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, an infraction, and Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, a violation.
“Mr. Sweeney made no attempt to call 911 but drove away,” said Osganian. “A witness reported the accident and our officers went down to Main Street and located him.”
Police allege that on Feb. 4, Sweeney was driving a pickup truck on Center Street and attempted to make a left onto Main Street, striking the fountain at 3 p.m.
The fountain’s base sustained additional scrapes in the accident.
Officers issued Sweeney an appearance ticket for Geneseo Village Court.
A semi truck stuck and damaged the base of the fountain beyond repair on April 7, 2016. A pickup truck hit the fountain on Nov. 27, 2016, an accident which a Geneseo Police Officer caught on dashcam.
The Village Board plans to replace the fountain’s base and repair the famous bronze bear and her pedestal in the summer of 2017.
(Photo/Geneseo Police Department)