Binghamton, NY – A tragic incident unfolded on Monday night just north of Binghamton, when a 43-year-old man was struck and killed by a car in the Town of Dickinson. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, which began shortly after 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Front and Bevier Streets. The victim, identified as Jamel Smalls, a Binghamton resident, was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate attempts to save his life. The suspected driver has been identified and charged, facing serious consequences.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were initially dispatched following reports of a man found lying on the roadside. When they arrived, they discovered Smalls had sustained severe injuries, consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Deputies, alongside a security officer from Broome County, tried to revive Smalls, but tragically, their efforts were unsuccessful.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, debris left at the scene led to the belief that the vehicle involved had fled after the collision. A swift investigation was launched, leading authorities to the Town of Maine, where they located the vehicle suspected of being involved in the crash. The driver, 21-year-old Christian A. Rogler from Endicott, was taken into custody.
Investigators determined that Rogler was driving south on Upper Front Street when he struck Smalls, who was crossing the road in a marked crosswalk at the intersection with Bevier Street. Rogler, despite the impact and clear damage to his vehicle, fled the scene without stopping to check on Smalls or contact authorities.
Further complicating matters, Rogler is believed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. Upon his arrest, Rogler was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. These details led to his arraignment on several charges, including second-degree vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident—both felonies. In addition, he faces misdemeanor charges for driving while impaired by drugs and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar extended condolences to the family of Jamel Smalls, acknowledging the heartache caused by such a sudden and senseless loss. “Amidst this senseless tragedy,” Akshar said, “I pray that Smalls’ family might take some solace in the efforts of our team of investigators to swiftly bring the fleeing perpetrator of this crime to justice.”
The crash has left the Broome County community in mourning, particularly in the Binghamton area where Smalls was a known figure. Residents are grappling with the tragedy of a life cut short by reckless driving and the broader issue of impaired drivers on the roads. This incident has reignited conversations about the severe consequences of drug-impaired driving and the importance of rendering aid when accidents occur.
Rogler, after being arraigned in Central Arraignment Part Court, has been remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. His charges, particularly vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, are grave, and if convicted, he faces significant prison time.
In the aftermath of this crash, local authorities are continuing their investigation, with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office working alongside the Broome County Government Security Division, Broome Volunteer Ambulance, and the New York State Department of Transportation. They have also urged anyone with additional information related to the crash to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in helping resolve the case.
Fatal hit-and-run incidents like this one underscore the dangers of impaired driving, which continues to be a leading cause of death and injury on U.S. roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that in 2020 alone, 56% of fatal crashes involved at least one form of impairment—be it alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving. Cases like that of Jamel Smalls remind the public of the critical need for drivers to remain alert, sober, and ready to assist when accidents occur.
For Smalls’ family, the coming days will be filled with unimaginable grief. In the midst of this difficult time, local officials and community members are offering their support, ensuring that Smalls’ family is not left to face this tragedy alone.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the details of the crash, and they remain committed to seeking justice for Smalls and his loved ones. As the case moves through the courts, the broader community will be watching closely, hoping for some measure of closure in this deeply upsetting case.