Suspect 'Identified' In Vernon Fatal Pedestrian Crash Case

VERNON, CT — Vernon Police Friday said they have developed a suspect as they continue to investigate a hit-and-run incident that took the life of a 44-year-old resident who was walking his dog on Phoenix Street.

Police confirmed that a person of interest is part of the probe, but declined to name the individual. The crash took place Tuesday at about 3 p.m.

The breakthrough in the investigation was connected to three checkpoints set up Wednesday — two along Phoenix Street and another at the "depot" area on the rails to trails system. Police were interviewing drivers as they passed through the area.

Vernon police spokesman William Meier said the information gathered at the checkpoints led to the seizure if what police called "a vehicle of interest" in the case. He said Friday that 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, Meier said.

No charges have been filed, he said.

Just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, Vernon police received a 911 call from a passerby who found Vernon resident Andrew Aggarwala on the side of the road in front of 151 Phoenix St. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was hit by a car, police said, and the driver left the scene.

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 area from between 2:45 and 3 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Aggarwala's dog, Ollie, ran off after the crash and police, friends and neighbors have been looking for him since Tuesday. The Vernon Police Department Drone Unit was out flying in the area in an effort to spot Ollie Friday. Meier said someone claimed to have spotted an animal, but it could not be confirmed that it was Ollie.