Paint Chips Help Cops Track Down 71-Year-Old Hit-And-Run Suspect

ARMONK, NY — The North Castle Police Department got a call on Tuesday evening, around 7:41 p.m., reporting a man lying down on Old Mount Kisco Road, covered in blood, but that's just where the story begins.

Officers at the scene found a semi-conscious man, in the area of Old Mount Kisco Road and Eden Hunt Place. Police officers and Armonk Fire Department personnel administered first aid to the man, who was identified as a 65-year-old North Castle resident. He was rushed to the Westchester Medical Center emergency room for treatment.

Detectives and the Accident Investigation Unit investigated the scene and found paint chips and vehicle debris near where the injured man was located. They noted that the injuries the man suffered were likely from a motor vehicle accident. While processing the scene, officers found other clues which led them to identify a vehicle of interest.

While canvassing the area, a police officer found the vehicle of interest nearby, but unoccupied.

The officer noticed that the vehicle had damage consistent with evidence found at the scene. Specifically, the paint chips found at the scene were consistent with body damage on the suspected vehicle. In addition, the vehicle had new paint applied to the damaged area which was still wet to the touch. Police then impounded the vehicle.

North Castle police soon identified the driver of the vehicle. On Wednesday, around 3:20 p.m., a 71-year-old Flushing resident was arrested and charged with felony counts of leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries and tampering with physical evidence. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of North Castle Court on March 26.

"I commend the officers of my department for bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion with the apprehension of the operator of the vehicle," Chief Peter J. Simonsen said. "Additionally, Armonk Fire Department and Westchester EMS Paramedic Service were instrumental in providing lifesaving care. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim as he recovers from his injuries."