By Kevin Barry (NCC News)
Nov. 11, 2010, 8:00pm
(SYRACUSE, N.Y.) - The Chittenango man who hit and killed a pedestrian Nov. 10 pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs. Jason Forshee, 37, was also distracted by his cell phone, causing him to drive his car off the road, killing 57-year-old Lynn M. Eggert, according to police.
The incident happened mid-day on Route 5 in Sullivan while Eggert and her husband, Steven Eggert walked their dog, according to authorities. Mr. Eggert was uninjured and the dog ran away after the accident but returned to the couple's home hours later.
The Investigation
Forshee told investigators that he had smoked marijuana in the 12 hours before hitting Eggert. He was also under the influence of many prescription drugs, according to authorities.
The drugs, coupled with Forshee’s ringing cell phone which he looked down to answer, caused him to lose control of his car, driving it completely off the pavement and striking Eggert, according to police.
Forshee's other charges
At the time of the accident, Forshee was driving a rental car since he had been involved in another accident the day before, where he ran into the back of another car and was given a ticket for following too closely, according to authorities.
“If they (the Madison County District Attorney’s Office) found a significant amount of negligence involved here on the part of Mr. Forshee, they could return an indictment of more serious charges,” said New York State Trooper Spokesperson Jim Simpson.
Forshee was also in another accident on Oct. 19 after which he received a speeding ticket.
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