Verona, NY – A fatal crash in Oneida County Friday night left one person dead and another seriously injured after a Lexus SUV fled a traffic stop in Verona, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Robert Maciol said the incident began around 9:18 p.m. on November 18, 2025, when a deputy with the DWI Unit conducted a stop on a Lexus SUV along State Route 365 near Greenway New London Road. During the stop, it was determined that the driver, Brandy LaFlesh, 46, of Oneida, was possibly wanted out of Oneida City Court.
Before the deputy could confirm her identity, LaFlesh allegedly sped away westbound on Route 365. Due to department policy, deputies did not pursue the fleeing vehicle unless exigent circumstances were present.
Roughly 30 minutes later, deputies were called to a crash on Blackmans Corners Road in the Town of Verona. Investigators confirmed the wrecked SUV was the same vehicle that had fled earlier.
LaFlesh was pronounced dead at the scene, and her passenger, Michael Martino, 56, of Lee, sustained serious injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to Wynn Hospital by Vineall Ambulance.
The Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation and Forensic Identification Units are handling the case, with assistance from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, State Police, and Verona Fire Department. The road was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more local news. Have a tip? Message us!
