Dog That Ran From Fatal Vernon Crash Found Safe

VERNON, CT — The dog belonging to the Vernon man killed in a hit-and-run crash on Phoenix Street has been found and reunited with its family after being missing for four days.

Ollie, a 6-month-old mixed breed, was located at about 9:15 a.m. Saturday on Brighton Lane, less than a mile from the crash scene, Vernon police spokesman Lt. William Meier said.

Meier said a resident of Brighton Lane was reviewing his overnight home surveillance footage and noticed a dog that resembled Ollie. He notified police and the animal control officer and volunteers went to the area Saturday morning.

The homeowner coaxed Ollie toward him and corralled him, Meier said. The dog appeared to be healthy and was returned to his family.

Meier said family members were relieved to get the dog back and thankful for those who searched for the dog.

The crash took place at about 3 p.m. Tuesday as Ollie and 44-year-old Andrew Aggarwala were walking on Phoenix Street. Vernon police received a 911 call from a passerby who found Aggarwala on the side of the road in front of 151 Phoenix St. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver fled the area and the dog ran off, police said.

A breakthrough in the investigation was connected to three checkpoints set up Wednesday — two along Phoenix Street and another at the depot area on the rail trail system. Police interviewed drivers as they passed through the area.

Meier said information gathered at the checkpoints led to the seizure of what police called "a vehicle of interest" in the case. He said Friday a suspect has since been pinpointed but declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing nature of investigation. Police have been in close contact with the family throughout, Meier said.

No charges have been filed, he said.

Vernon police and the Metro Traffic Services Team are investigating the incident and anyone with information on the crash is being urged to call Vernon police at 860-872-9126.

Police are also looking for home security video from the area from between 2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday.

See more on the crash and Aggarwala's popularity as a local soccer coach and family man here.