REPORT: Driver and passenger taken to local hospital for evaluation in wake of collision with bear near Boonville

BOONVILLE- A driver and passenger were taken to a local hospital for evaluation after colliding with a bear over the weekend.

It happened late Sunday night just before 10:00 p.m. on State Route 12 in the town of Boonville, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

After arriving on scene, Deputies determined that George Franco, 24, of Albany, NY, was operating a 2011 Volvo 4-door sedan Northbound.

A black bear entered the roadway unexpectedly. Franco was unable to avoid the bear, causing heavy front-end damage to the vehicle.

Franco and passenger Bernardo Rosario-Gonzalez, 35, of Halfmoon, NY, reported chest and neck pain from the airbag deployment and seat-belts.

Both individuals were evaluated at the scene and transported to Lewis County General Hospital for additional evaluation.

No citations were issued.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by the New York State Police, Boonville Fire Department, Boonville Ambulance, and Grower's Collision & Towing.

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