08/27/2026
🚨PRESS RELEASE🚨
Herkimer Police Department - August 27, 2026
Herkimer Police Officer Struck by Vehicle; Driver Arrested for DWI
On August 26, 2026, at approximately 12:02 p.m., members of the Herkimer Police Department were assisting the New York State Police on Protection Avenue with an unrelated investigation involving a male suspect who had fled from a vehicle pursuit originating near the New York State Thruway.
Several marked Herkimer Police Department patrol vehicles were positioned along Protection Avenue with their emergency warning lights activated while officers worked at the scene.
While officers were standing near the patrol vehicles, they observed a blue SUV traveling northbound on Protection Avenue and approaching their location. The vehicle, operated by Aprile Lynch, 51, failed to keep left and traveled directly toward the officers and the marked patrol vehicles.
Recognizing the approaching vehicle, the Sgt. immediately warned another officer to move. The officer was able to move out of the direct path of the vehicle, but as the SUV passed, its passenger-side mirror struck the officer in the left upper arm/shoulder area.
Despite having just been struck, the officer immediately returned to his patrol vehicle, followed the SUV, and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle.
During the subsequent investigation, Lynch was determined to be intoxicated and was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Thankfully, the officer did not sustain any significant injury as a result of the collision.
This incident could have resulted in a far more serious outcome. The Herkimer Police Department reminds motorists to remain alert when approaching emergency vehicles and personnel working along the roadway, slow down, and provide adequate space whenever possible.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
