Potsdam man questions state police response after Route 56 crash
A Potsdam man struck while removing a deer carcass from Route 56 in Norfolk says his injuries were more serious than initially described, while state police say traffic tickets were issued to the other driver.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
A Potsdam man struck by a vehicle while removing a deer carcass from State Route 56 in Norfolk is questioning how state police handled the Oct. 18 crash and the description of his injuries.
New York State Police said troopers responded at about 6:57 p.m. to a car-deer crash. Police said a northbound Toyota driven by Jason Briggs, 44, of Potsdam, struck a deer, and that Bradley F. Jerome, 50, of Potsdam, was later hit by a southbound Chevrolet driven by Mark J. Gonyou, 38, of Norfolk. Jerome was taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital with injuries state police described as non-life-threatening.
Jerome says he suffered an 8-inch head laceration requiring 36 stitches, a broken nose, a concussion and black eyes. He also says he has been unable to eat and work since the crash. State police Public Information Officer Brandi Ashley said the investigation resulted in traffic tickets for alleged violations of New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law. The specific tickets were not identified.
Jerome has questioned whether toxicology testing was conducted on the other driver and disputes the description of where he was standing when he was struck. State police said Jerome was in the roadway while removing the deer carcass. Jerome says he was in a pedestrian lane.
The crash occurred on Route 56 in the town of Norfolk, in St. Lawrence County. State police said the investigation covered the vehicle, deer and pedestrian collisions. The parties' accounts also differ over whether charges were delayed while Jerome recovered, while police said traffic tickets had been issued.
Updates about the investigation are issued through the New York State Police.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Other
Teen driver safety in St. Lawrence County: rules and tips for families
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles is urging North Country teens and parents to focus on safe driving during Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 18-24, 2026.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Fall foliage on Fort Drum and in the North Country: what to know
Fall color is on display across Fort Drum and the North Country, with recreation access rules, trail information and seasonal updates available for visitors.
ClickNNY Guide · Thousand Islands
Fishing the St. Lawrence River after summer: a fall and ice fishing guide to the Thousand Islands
When the tour boats leave, the St. Lawrence becomes a different river. Here's what's biting in the fall, how ice fishing works, exactly what to bring, how to stay safe, and where to stay, whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life.