CANTON—State Police are still actively seeking a Canton man who is alleged to have been involved in a fatal car versus motorcycle accident on Stiles Road June 3. 

Community members with information on the whereabouts of Herbert M. Planty, 44, of Canton. are asked to contact the Canton State Police station at (315) 379-0012. 

A State Police investigation of a fatal motorcycle accident on Stiles Road Tuesday night reportedly revealed Planty to be the driver of a pickup truck that struck the motorcycle of James R. McLean, 41, of Rensselaer Falls, causing injuries that proved fatal. 

A Troopers Collision Reconstruction Unit determined that McLean was traveling north on Stiles Road and attempting to pass another vehicle at the crest of a hill when his motorcycle was struck by a Dodge Dakota traveling south, which was allegedly operated by Planty. 

State Police say that both the operator and the passenger of the Dodge Dakota initially exited the vehicle to check on McLean, but the operator is alleged to have later fled the scene into a wooded area. 

A State Police K9 was deployed in the area while a drone operated by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office was used for an aerial search. 

As of  1:45 p.m. June 5, State Police have not provided further information on their search for Planty, but Troop B Public Information Officer Brandi Ashley confirmed that the search remains active. 

State Police were assisted by Canton Fire and Rescue, Potsdam Rescue, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Canton Police Department, and Potsdam Police Department in their response.