Central NY woman drove intoxicated before crashing, seriously injuring 10-year-old, police say

Crash in Clay

A child was reported to be unconscious after a two-vehicle crash in the intersection of Henry Clay Boulevard and Buckley Road in the town of Clay on Saturday, Sept. 17. (Brett Prentice)

Clay, N.Y. — A woman was driving intoxicated last Saturday when she ran a red light and her truck crashed with another vehicle, seriously injuring a 10-year-old girl, deputies said Friday.

Harley VanSlyke, 39, of Clay, was charged Friday with second-degree vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, unreasonable speed and passing a red light, according to an Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office news release.

VanSlyke was driving north Saturday night on Henry Clay Boulevard in a Ford F-150 pickup when she drove past a red light at the intersection of Buckley Road, sheriff’s office spokesman Sgt. Jon Seeber said. A driver in a Honda CRV was driving east and the CRV collided with VanSlyke’s truck, he said.

Responding at about 9:45 p.m., emergency crews found the driver of the Honda had minor injuries, Seeber said. The driver’s daughter sustained serious injuries, police said.

The girl was taken to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition, Seeber said. She remains in the hospital in serious condition, he said.

VanSlyke and her 8-year-old son were taken to Upstate University Hospital for evaluations, Seeber said.

VanSlyke is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail Friday awaiting arraignment, Seeber said.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at 315-690-6950, at falba@syracuse.com, or on Twitter at @byfernandoalba.

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