Man hit, killed after Dave Matthews concert

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jason Subik

A pedestrian was killed Friday night on Route 9 while walking back to his hotel from the Dave Matthews Band concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, according to city police.

The popular summer concert was packed Friday night and the same was expected for Saturday night.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department and the New York State Park Police were called to the accident at approximately 11:55 p.m. Friday near the Top of the Hill Motel.

Police said Edward Bernys, 42, from Oswego, was attempting to cross Route 9 to get to the motel when he was struck in the northbound lane by an SUV.

The vehicle that hit Bernys and other vehicles on the road pulled to the side immediately. Witnesses to the accident called 911 and attempted to provide care to Bernys before an ambulance arrived and took him to Saratoga Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Saratoga Springs Sgt. John Catone said the driver of the SUV has not been issued a ticket and police are not releasing the individual’s name. He said no evidence was found to indicate the driver was intoxicated. An autopsy was to be performed on Bernys including a toxicology screening. Catone said it could take up to 10 weeks before the results are available.

Catone said with or without the influence of alcohol the stretch of Route 9 where Bernys was killed is a dangerous road for pedestrians.

“We’re good for a fatal there about once a year. People try to dart across. At night, it’s not very well lit at all,” he said.

The police are encouraging any witnesses to the accident to contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

In other police activity from the concert Friday night:

u Three people were arrested and charged with felonies involving narcotics, according to State Park Police. Police said Saturday the names of the suspects would be released sometime this morning.

u There were 13 other arrests involving drugs, with all of those suspects charged with misdemeanors.

u Two persons were arrested for DWI.

u One individual is charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing four tickets from a patron. Police say the suspect picked the pocket of the victim.

u One person is charged with resisting arrest.

u Twenty-six summonses were issued for underage drinking.

u Three summonses were issued for possession of alcohol on park grounds.

u Fifteen were issued for disorderly conduct.

u Two were issued for ticket scalping.