UPDATE: State Police have identified the driver involved in the Jan. 2, 2019, hit-and-run crash as Jason A. Dager, 43, of Dolgeville. Dager was issued uniform traffic tickets for the following violations:
- Leaving the scene of property damage accident
- Leaving the scene of injury to certain animals [VTL 319(1)(u)]
- Operating without insurance
- Failure to use due care approaching horse [VTL 1146(a)(2)]
- Imprudent speed when approaching a horse
All five tickets are returnable in Newport Town Court at 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019.
On Jan. 2, 2019, at 8:05 a.m., State Police in Herkimer responded to a reported hit and run collision that occurred on Summit Road just west of Fishing Rock Road, Newport.
The investigation has revealed an unknown vehicle struck an Amish horse and buggy from behind and then fled the scene. Witnesses described the vehicle, a blue metallic Chevrolet Traverse was traveling east on Summit Road when it struck the Amish buggy causing serious injuries to the horse. The vehicle was last seen traveling east toward the village of Middleville.
The operator of the buggy, Christ D. Zook, 39, of Poland, was not injured in the crash. A local veterinarian responded to the scene and euthanized the horse, due to the severe leg injuries.
Troopers are searching for a 2013 or 2014 Atlantis metallic blue Chevrolet Traverse. If anyone has information regarding the crash or the vehicle, they are asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000.