By Crash News Writer 
Portland, NY (September 25, 2025) – A police pursuit in Chautauqua County ended in tragedy Wednesday afternoon when a fleeing driver crashed into another vehicle along State Route 5 in the Town of Portland.
According to New York State Police, troopers were pursuing a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Joseph Damico of Dunkirk. The pursuit began in the Town of Dunkirk and continued westbound on State Route 5.
Around 4:30 p.m. on September 24, the pursuit ended when Damico’s vehicle collided with another car. The impact forced both vehicles off the roadway and down into a steep drainage ditch.
Damico was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the other driver involved in the crash was not injured. The incident remains under investigation by State Police.
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This article is based on initial information from authorities and may be updated as more details become available. For help understanding your next steps, visit our frequently asked questions in New York.
- Joseph Damico, 44, of Dunkirk, was the sole fatality in the crash.
- The second vehicle’s driver escaped injury, according to troopers.
- The incident followed a six-minute police pursuit and remains under investigation.
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