State Police
Bicyclist injured in drunk driving accident
A Springwater man has been arrested for DWI and First Degree Vehicle Assault following an alleged hit and run incident which occurred at 6 p.m. last Sunday, Jan. 15, on West Main Road in the Town of Lima.
Steven M. Breemes, 44, of Route 15A in Springwater was traveling eastbound when the plow on his 2005 GMC pickup struck something along the side of the road.
Breemes would tell State Police investigators he stopped after believing he hit a deer. However, a witness to the accident watched Breemes exit from his truck, apparently observe the bicyclist he had struck, then return to his truck cab and flee from the scene. The witness obtained a license plate number and called Livingston County 911.
Responding to the scene were State Police Trooper Adam McFadden of the Lima Barrack, and Lima EMS.
The injured bicyclist was identified as Francis Huff, age 52, of Lake Avenue, Lima. She was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight, suffering head trauma and severe lacerations. Police reported Tuesday that Huff is expected to recover, but faces a long period of hospitalization.
Approximately two hours after the incident, Breemes was located at his residence by State Police Trooper Karen McCord of the Geneseo Barrack. Breemes was arrested for Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Vehicle Assault 1st and leaving the scene of a serious personal injury accident. He was transported to Lima State Police headquarters for processing where his breath test registered a .23 percent blood alcohol content, nearly three times the legal .08 limit.
Breemes was arraigned in Town of Lima Court by Town Justice Harold Ramis and was remanded to the Livingston County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 secure bond.
Investigators suspect the width of the snow plow mounted on the truck was a factor in the accident. The accident took place in a 55 mph zone, and speed does not appear to have been a factor.
