A Canandaigua man is facing a reckless endangerment charge after deputies say he drove a utility vehicle while intoxicated and crashed it, injuring multiple passengers—including his wife and ten juveniles.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office says 63-year-old Michael G. VanBrooker was operating a 2015 John Deere Gator UTV on the night of August 16 when he backed into a ditch on Smith Road, causing the vehicle to roll and eject all occupants.
VanBrooker and his wife, Theresa B. VanBrooker, both sustained injuries and were taken to F.F. Thompson Hospital. Four of the juveniles were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for pain-related complaints and further evaluation.
Deputies say VanBrooker had been drinking before the crash. He was charged with reckless endangerment in the second degree and issued an appearance ticket to return to Canandaigua Town Court.
Emergency crews from Cheshire Fire, Canandaigua Emergency Squad, Naples Ambulance, Richmond Ambulance, and East Bloomfield Ambulance all responded to the scene.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].