Driver in fatal crash turns himself in

HANOVER, N.Y. (WIVB) - The man wanted for questioning in connection with a fatal crash in Hanover turned himself over to deputies on Friday.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace tells News 4 22-year-old Jeremiah Burgess turned himself in late in the afternoon. Authorities say Burgess was behind the wheel of a small sedan that crashed around 3 a.m. on Thursday, killing 22-year-old passenger, Jeremy Long.

PHOTO GALLERY | See the suspect's photo and pictures taken at the crash scene here

When first responders arrived at the scene, Burgess was nowhere to be found, and Sheriff Gerace said he believes Burgess fled because Burgess was intoxicated. The two men both were employed at Aunt Millie's Diner, and investigators say they went out drinking after closing time.

Sheriff Gerace said, "I believe, personally, he fled because he was under the influence of alcohol or another drug and didn't want to be apprehended. He didn't know what the condition of his friend was. He's not a doctor. Own up. Don't be a wimp. He's a coward. Kills his friend and runs."

James Subjack, the attorney representing Jeremiah Burgess, says his client has been fully cooperative and that he has no comment beyond that.

The sheriff tells News 4 an autopsy needs to be completed on Long before any formal charges can be made against Burgess.