Proving Probable Cause Delayed Hit and Run Arrest

Connecting the evidence and proving probable cause were essential to obtaining an arrest warrant of recently-fired Manchester Police Officer Stephen Coco, according to Hillsborough County Attorney Patricia LaFrance.

LaFrance, in an interview with the Union Leader (which was published Saturday) backed up comments made during a , in which she explained that Coco's arrest took nearly four days because probable cause had to be established prior to an arrest being made.

To obtain that proof, Bedford Police had to collect and connect forensic evidence, such as clothing fibers from one of the victims in the hit and run, which was found on the alleged involved vehicle, as well as proving a proper fit to piece of broken plastic lens cover, which was found near the scene of the incident, said LaFrance.

Coco, a 41-year-old Bedford resident, is facing two felony counts of conduct after an accident.

The Union Leader reports that each charge carries a maximum sentence of 3.5- to 7-years in prison. It was also reported, last week, that Coco will be eligible to from his more than 17 years with Manchester PD. 

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