BROADALBIN, N.Y. -The New York State Trooper who was found to have struck a man whose body was on the side of the road has been arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, in addition to being suspended from his job.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is still investigating a fatal motor vehicle/pedestrian accident that occurred early Sunday morning in the town of Broadalbin. The victim, 29-year-old Chad E. Finch of Northville, who was found to be hit by an off-duty New York State Trooper, 32-year-old Brian Beardsley of Amsterdam.
Police received a call around 2:40 a.m. Sunday May 22nd from Beardsley's girlfriend saying they observed a body on the side of the road. Deputies showed up to the location, and saw Finch in the southbound lane of County Highway 110.
However, deputies saw no vehicles at the scene when they arrived and are saying Beardsley and his girlfriend had driven off.
Police later located Beardsley's vehicle in Amsterdam and upon inspection it did appear the car had made contact with Finch's body in the road. Police are investigating whether it was Beardsley who struck and killed Finch, or another vehicle.
"We found indications under his vehicle that the vehicle had gone over Mr. Finch," said Undersheriff Kevin Lenahan, Fulton County Sheriff's Department.
News 10 went to Beardley's home in Amsterdam on Monday to get his side of the story but no one answered the door.
Flowers have been placed by the spot on County Highway 110 where Finch's body was found Sunday morning. They were layed there by Katrina Farrington, who shares a half-brother with Finch.
"He was a great person," said Farrington. "For the most part, he was pretty easy going."
There was no evidence at the scene to determine why Finch's body was in the roadway at the time of the accident. It is believed he had been at a local restaurant, and was walking home.
News10 learned Tuesday that Beardsley has been suspended without pay, and has been arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a felony. He will be arraigned in court on Tuesday.
Those close to Finch said they want the person responsible to come forward. "Not to mention it would make his mom and his families sleep a lot better at night," said Farrington. "And his kids. I think his kids deserve answers, too."
More information and the autopsy results are likely to be released sometime on Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
Chad Finch
Beardsley leaves court on Tuesday
NEWS10 ABC
