Man faces charges, deportation after Seneca crash (Seneca Democrat and Chronicle)

Man faces charges, deportation after Seneca crash

Victoria E. Freile • Staff writer • November 3, 2008

A Geneva man is facing several charges and deportation today following a one-vehicle accident that knocked down a utility pole and interrupted power last night in Seneca, Ontario County.

Raul Palma-Calderon, 46, was charged last night, with unlicensed operation of a motor-vehicle, failure to keep right and imprudent speed, according to Ontario County sheriff’s deputies. He is also accused of entering the country illegally, deputies said.

Just after 5 p.m. yesterday, Palma-Calderon lost control of his vehicle while on a sharp turn as he was driving on Rilands Road, deputies said. He struck a New York State Electric and Gas utility pole, which caused the pole to snap in half, deputies said.

The top of the pole, including wires and the transformer, came to rest on the overturned vehicle, deputies said. Wires were also pulled off a residence at 1794 Rilands Road.

Stanley firefighters removed Palma-Calderon from the car. He complained of pain to his head, stomach and leg and was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

Residents in the area of the crash were without power for several hours last night because of the accident, deputies said.

Palma-Calderon was arraigned in Seneca Town Court and was remanded to the Ontario County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He was also interviewed by Border Patrol officials and an immigration detainer was issued, deputies said.

Palma-Calderon is slated to return to Seneca Town Court to answer the charges at a later date. At that time, Border Patrol officials will take him into custody.