A Newburyport man has been charged following a hit-and-run incident that took place last month. According to the Newburyport Police Department, Brian Fantry, age 41, is scheduled to appear in Newburyport District Court. The charges brought against him include Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Personal Injury.
Reports state that on August 20, 2024, amidst the hustle of the city, a cyclist was struck at the intersection of High Street and Pond Street. Following the incident, the motorist, now identified as Fantry, allegedly fled the scene. The injured cyclist was subsequently hospitalized with serious injuries but has since been discharged. At the time, the police faced difficulty locating both Fantry and his vehicle.
Diligent police work led by Det. Chris McDonald resulted in a break in the case. The Newburyport Police Department credits community cooperation and McDonald's investigative expertise as pivotal elements in identifying the suspect. "This was a traumatic incident for everyone involved and I’m thankful that the cyclist appears to be on his way to recovery," said Police Lt. Matt Simons in a statement made by the department. Further comments emphasized the importance of community and evidence gathered in providing resolution.
The incident has brought to the forefront issues regarding road safety and cyclists' vulnerabilities on city streets. Increased dialogue on the topic is likely as community members and advocates respond to the ramifications of this event and seek improvements. Emphasizing the collective role, Lt. Simons acknowledged the impact of seasoned investigative work by Det. McDonald and the critical assistance provided by local citizens.
