Driver charged in fatal crash

STEUBEN COUNTY--The Steuben County Sheriff's Office held a press conference, Monday, Oct. 21 to further explain the details of a four-fatality automobile accident that occurred last weekend.
Sheriff Jim Allard reported deputies arrested Dustin W. Drake, 30, Sunday, Oct. 20 after he turned himself in after an investigation by police.
It is alleged that early Saturday, Oct. 12 on County Route 76 in the town of Pulteney, Drake operated a vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. It is further alleged his operation caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with a tree, resulting in the death of four passengers.
The sheriff's office cited both excessive speed and lack of occupant restraints as contributing to the crash and aftermath.
Korbie L. Higgins, 28, of Bath, Coy F. Miner, 26, of Hammondsport, Adam P. Bellamy, 29, of Ohio and Pulteney and Nicole L. Wise, 25, of Prattsburgh were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Drake was charged with driving while intoxicated as a felony (class D), due to a previous conviction within the last 10 years; aggravated vehicular homicide, a class B felony; and aggravated vehicular homicide, a class B felony.
Drake was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released on his own recognizance.
The Steuben County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Pulteney Volunteer Fire Company, Hammondsport Ambulance and Prattsburgh Protective Volunteer Fire Department all assisted at the scene of the accident.