SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse firefighter is now suspended as part of the ongoing investigation into the hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a teenager.
The mayor's office has confirmed that Edward "Ted" Ackerman was suspended without pay Tuesday while the investigation continues.
Ackerman also heads of the board of directors of the Pastime Athletic Club. That's where the Onondaga County-issued car that hit 18-year-old Seth Collier was found. The driver of that car, Peter Rauch, was an investigator with the district attorney's office.
Rauch was fired Tuesday after being charged with leaving the scene of a serious personal injury accident. Ackerman's exact role in the incident is unknown, but sources tell Spectrum New the investigation centers on what he may have witnessed and evidence he may have had access to.
Our source tells us Ackerman was following Rauch in another vehicle and saw the hit-and-run happen.The source also tells us more information on the investigation into Ackerman may come out by the end of this week.
Meanwhile, Rauch appeared in Syracuse City Court Wednesday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to a felony count of leaving the scene of a serious personal injury accident. That charge could change if the victim in the case does not survive.
Rauch was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly hit Collier, who was walking along North Salina Street. Prosecutors say Rauch was driving his county-assigned vehicle at the time and left Collier behind, unconscious on the ground. Rauch's vehicle was later found at the Pastime Athletic Club with his ID and phone inside.
Because of the circumstances, the Oswego County District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
"At this point, the victim is still alive. He is the most important thing in this case,” said Oswego County Assistant District Attorney Mark Moody. "If he does pass on, there's a different charge for leaving the scene of an accident where somebody dies."
"Everybody, including everybody on this side of the courtroom, is focused on the well-being of the young man who is the victim in this accident," said defense attorney Emil Rossi. "And beyond that, we're awaiting discovery in the case, and we'll look at everything and we'll see where we are in a few days."
Court paperwork says that Collier suffered severe head injuries and a punctured hamstring. He is listed in critical condition at the hospital, although the situation looks dire. Family members have posted online that they will be saying their final goodbyes over the next few days.