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Crash on Masterton Road Turns Car into Fireball but Driver Escapes

Written by Staff

Feb. 26, 2014:  Icy weather conditions and not drunk driving were the probable cause of a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee's striking a utility pole on Masterton Road near Pondfield Road at around 2:15 am last Friday, February 21. The driver was Bronxville resident Edward T. Boehlke, age 27.

According to the Bronxville police report, "Edward Boehlke called to report that he had just struck a pole at the corner of Masterton Road and Pondfield Road and this vehicle was on fire."  

The Eastchester Fire Department was dispatched immediately, as were Bronxville police officers Cheryl Jarosz and Martin Dentini. Sgt. Banks of the Tuckahoe Police Department was there to assist, as was Sgt. Flood from the Eastchester Police Department. 

Police officer Jarosz reported that power lines were down and that the responders were unable to reach the vehicle.

At approximately 3:00 am, a Con Edison crew appeared on the scene to terminate power service to the immediate area; this resulted in a power outage for many residents in the vicinity. Bronxville DPW foreman Victor Lima also responded to assist with the icy conditions.   

Boehlke was transported to Lawrence Hospital via EVAC, escorted by police officer Jarosz. 

Officer Dentini reported that Boehlke registered a 0.00 BAC on the alcohol sensor. 

At approximately 3:30 am, the fire was extinguished by the Eastchester Fire Department under the command of Captain Buccheri, and the remains of the badly scorched car were later towed away. 

Office Jarosz reported that the car "had been traveling eastbound on Masterton Road approximately 50 feet beyond The Byway when he [Boehlke] lost control of the vehicle due to a possible ice condition and collided with a utility pole owned by Consolidated Edison. He then collided with a tree and various landscaping fixtures owned by Paul Heathwood of 10 The Byway."  

The vehicle then "became engulfed in flames after Boehlke was able to escape the vehicle with only a complaint of pain to his face."

Elm Rock Road was closed at Masterton Road, and Masterton Road was closed at the corner of The Byway until Con Edison could clear the debris and restore power. 

Pictured here:  The location of the crash on Friday, February 21, with car debris in background.

Photo by A. Warner

Government & History Directory

Bronxville Overview

Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.

While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.

Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.

The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.

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December 2024

Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
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Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
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Bronxville Fire Deparment
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