Newtown Police Seek Driver After SUV Hits High School Runners

NEWTOWN, CT — Police are searching for the driver of a gray or silver midsize SUV that struck four Newtown High School track team members in a crosswalk Saturday morning and left the scene.

The incident occurred between 10 and 10:30 a.m. on April 12, while the students were running eastbound along Church Hill Road in the area of Exit 10 off Interstate 84, according to the Newtown Police Department. The four pedestrians activated the crosswalk signal and began to cross when the SUV, traveling off the westbound off-ramp, turned right onto Church Hill Road and sideswiped them with its passenger side.

The driver briefly stopped to ask if the students were all right but left the area without notifying authorities or exchanging information, police said.

The students returned to Newtown High School and reported the incident at about 11:09 a.m. School staff notified their parents, and EMS responded to treat the runners for minor injuries.

Police described the driver as a white male with a beard and glasses. The SUV may have damage to its right side and mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newtown Police Department referencing case number 2500005602.