Indictment Returned in Crash That Led to Firefighter’s Death in Hancock

New York State Police and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced an indictment in the fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of East Branch Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone earlier this summer.

At a press conference Friday, Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith said that a Delaware County Grand Jury returned an eight-count indictment on September 4 against Joseph Bellows Jr., 54, of Downsville, NY. The charges stem from the July 17 crash on State Route 30 in Hancock, which led to McGlone’s death as he attempted to render aid.

According to the indictment:

Count One alleges Bellows was speeding at the time of the crash.

Count Two alleges he was using a cell phone while driving.

Count Three alleges he was intoxicated while operating the vehicle (misdemeanor).

Count Four alleges his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit (misdemeanor).

Counts Five and Six charge him with Vehicular Manslaughter, a Class D felony.

Count Seven charges him with Manslaughter in the second degree, a Class C felony, alleging reckless conduct.

Count Eight alleges he recklessly caused property damage exceeding $250 by crashing into a utility pole.

The July 17 Crash

On the night of July 17, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Bellows’ pickup truck left the roadway and struck a guardrail and utility pole on Route 30. The East Branch Fire Department responded to the scene, including Assistant Chief McGlone, 51.

Investigators determined that a low-hanging electrical wire came into contact with the fire truck McGlone was operating. When he exited the vehicle, he was electrocuted after touching the truck’s metal door while grounded. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, McGlone was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bellows was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital following the crash and was initially charged with Driving While Intoxicated. He was issued appearance tickets and scheduled to appear in Hancock Town Court on September 8.

Ongoing Investigation

District Attorney Smith confirmed the investigation into McGlone’s death is ongoing in coordination with the New York State Police.

A copy of DA Smith’s full press release is available here, and video of Friday’s press conference can be viewed here.

Image: East Branch Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone. (Credit: Jason McGlone Facebook page)