Albion man charged with DWI after allegedly hitting house in Hartland

Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

HARTLAND – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office received numerous 911 calls reporting an accident at 9209 Ridge Rd., where a vehicle hit a house and the gas line was ruptured at approximately 10:39 p.m.

Upon arrival, deputies were advised that the driver had fled the scene on foot. After requesting Hartland Fire Company and NYSEG to respond for the natural gas leak, houses in close proximity were evacuated as a precaution.

Deputies then began searching the immediate area for the driver. Joseph M. Childs, 49, of Albion was located a short distance from the accident scene. Childs was then transported to Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport for treatment of minor injuries.

He was charged at the hospital with Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Driving on the Shoulder, Speeding, and several other traffic infractions.

He is due in Town of Hartland Court on Nov. 18.

Investigation by deputies revealed that Childs was westbound on Ridge Road, struck a parked vehicle on the north shoulder, which then caused the parked vehicle to strike the residence at 9209, rupturing the natural gas line. No other injuries were reported and the investigation is continuing by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.