04 September 2023

NEW YORK STATE POLICE 
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander

PRESS RELEASE

On September 3, 2023, at 7:30 P.M., Troopers out of SP Olean responded to Cheese Factory Road in the town of Allegany for a vehicle that struck multiple people.

Investigation determined that a 2014 Ford Fusion operated by Peggy J. Errera, 70 of Bradford, PA, was backing out of a driveway into the roadway. Errera intended to go straight, but never straightened the wheels as she accelerated the Ford. The Ford accelerated back into the driveway and struck six people gathered in the front lawn of the residence.

One of the victims, Ronald S. Piechota, 81 of Schenectady, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another 66-year-old victim was air lifted and taken to Erie County Medical Center with severe injuries.  The four other victims are all being treated at local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Errera was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and no signs of intoxication were detected.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.

This is still an ongoing investigation.