A former Niagara County Sheriff's deputy was charged Friday evening in last October's fatal car accident at the intersection of Ridge and Plank Roads in the Town of Cambria.
James H. Bissell III, who resigned from the Niagara County Sheriff's Office in December, is being charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, imprudent speed, failure to yield the right of way, and passing a stop sign.
Bissell T-boned an SUV with his patrol car in October 22, 2015 after running a stop sign where Route 93, Route 104 and Plank Road in the Town of Cambria meet. The SUV rolled over several times before landing on its roof.
The driver of that vehicle, 61-year-old Glenn Annalora of Lockport, was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His wife, 58-year-old Mary Annalora, was flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC.
Bissell had only been with the sheriff's office for a few months prior to the deadly crash. He had his lights on, which may indicate he was attempting to pull someone over, but was not en route to a call. Bissell suffered a head injury in the crash.
Sheriff James Voutour said the deputy had his body camera and dash camera rolling, which was used in the investigation. The deputy's patrol vehicle also have a black box.
The sheriff's office gave all investigative material to the District Attorney’s Office and the DA determined no felony charges will be filed "based on a thorough review of all the facts and the law."
Due to pending litigation, the sheriff's office isn't releasing any further information at this time.
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