CANTON, NY – A Rensselaer Falls man has died from injuries sustained in a head-on collision Tuesday night on Stiles Road. State Police are now searching for the driver of the pickup truck involved in the fatal crash, who they say fled the scene on foot.
The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, at approximately 10:03 p.m. According to the State Police investigation, a motorcycle operated by James R. McLean, 41, was traveling north on Stiles Road. McLean attempted to pass another vehicle as he approached the crest of a hill. At the same time, a Dodge Dakota pickup truck traveling south crested the hill and collided head-on with the motorcycle.
McLean was ejected from his motorcycle and suffered severe, life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.
State Police report that the male operator of the Dodge Dakota and a passenger initially got out of their truck to check on McLean. However, the driver then fled the scene, disappearing into a nearby wooded area.
A multi-agency search effort was launched to locate the driver. State Police established a perimeter and deployed their Collision Reconstruction Unit to investigate the crash site and a K9 unit to search the woods. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with a drone.
Further investigation has identified the operator of the pickup truck as Herbert M. Planty, 44, of Canton, NY. State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Planty for questioning regarding the incident.
Anyone with information on Herbert M. Planty’s whereabouts is urged to contact the State Police at SP Canton at (315) 379-0012.
Assisting the State Police at the scene were Canton Fire and Rescue, Potsdam Rescue, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the Canton Police Department, and the Potsdam Police Department.
