Cornwall, VT – A single-vehicle crash along Route 30 in Cornwall has resulted in a criminal charge after authorities say the driver left the scene and failed to report the incident.
According to the Addison County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred Thursday, January 2, at approximately 11:09 a.m. while a deputy was patrolling Route 30. Deputy Mark Gütel observed a vehicle about 100 feet off the roadway, prompting an investigation into how the crash occurred.
Investigators determined the operator was Samantha Hatch, 23, of Whiting, Vermont. Authorities say Hatch allegedly crashed the vehicle overnight on Wednesday, January 1, into Thursday morning, January 2, but did not report the crash to law enforcement at the time.
Officials say Hatch returned to the scene later Thursday morning and contacted a tow truck to remove the vehicle. Because the crash had not been reported to police, Hatch was subsequently charged with leaving the scene of a crash.
She was issued a citation to appear in court at a later date and was released at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Hatch is scheduled to appear in Addison County Criminal Court on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Court officials note that dates and times are subject to change.
Route 30 is a commonly traveled roadway connecting several Addison County communities, including Cornwall and Middlebury, and is frequently used by local commuters and regional traffic.
Anyone involved in a motor vehicle crash in Vermont is required to report incidents involving damage or injury to law enforcement, officials remind drivers.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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