Manchester Police have arrested a man in connection with a tragic hit and run that claimed the life of a 71-year-old cyclist earlier this month. On July 3, 2024, at the intersection of Central St and Union St, a vehicle struck the elderly man riding his bike, resulting in a severe head injury. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the victim passed away some days following the incident. Witnesses at the scene described the car involved in the crash as a black Nissan Rogue, noted for its possible veteran’s plates and was last seen heading east on Central St after the collision, as stated in a Manchester Police Facebook post.
The department's investigation led to the discovery of the vehicle last week, and through further inquiry, identified 59-year-old Stanley Richardson of Candia as the alleged driver. Having turned himself in, Richardson faced charges of felony Conduct After an Accident – Injury/Death. Manchester Police said that after the incident, he was held on preventative detention, awaiting a court hearing.
Richardson's decision to turn himself into authorities has now moved the investigation to the next legal phase. Community members and family of the victim have been looking for closure since the hit and run, and this arrest brings them one step closer to finding peace in the midst of their grief. As the legal proceedings unfold, more details around the circumstances of the accident are expected to surface.
Manchester Police have not yet released further details regarding Richardson's motives or state at the time of the accident. The ongoing investigation and upcoming court hearing will likely provide more information about why Richardson fled the scene and whether any additional factors contributed to the tragic event. The community meanwhile holds onto hope for justice done, pulling together in a threadbare unity characteristic of a city scarred but ever resilient.
