Somerset man charged with fleeing scene of accident
By: Autumn R. Hawkins
A Somerset man is charged fleeing the scene of an accident after supposedly damaging a parked car early Wednesday morning.
A Somerset resident called Police after noticing a vehicle crashed into her parked car and a man fled the scene. The caller believed the car was going to catch on fire.
Officers arrived on the scene and observed flames underneath the Hyundai Elantra and heavy front end damage.
The suspect’s Hyundai was still running with keys in the ignition.
The Hyundai struck the Chevy Trail Blazer belonging to the homeowner of 119 Dublin Street.
Police attempted to extinguish the fire but were unable to.
Somerset Fire arrived shortly and were able to put down the fire.
Somerset officers along with their K-9’s began to pursue the suspect. Officers used a registry listing from the Hyundai to locate the owner, Christopher Hastings, 32, home address which is in close proximity of the accident.
Hastings told Police that he did not allow anyone to use his vehicle.
Police showed the victim the suspect’s registry photo and was able to I.D. the suspect.
Hastings was cited for: leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating as to endanger and marked lanes violation.
© WLNE-TV 2016
