A hit-and-run incident in upstate New York is currently under the scrutiny of investigators from the State Police. The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of February 27, 2025, involves the driver of a white pickup truck prominently adorned with a ‘MAGA’ sticker. Authorities have put out a call for any relevant information that could help identify and locate the offender.
The conflict unfolded on Route 233, situated in the small town of Westmoreland, New York, at approximately 4:53 pm. State Police were dispatched to respond to the troubling report of a hit-and-run accident, believed to involve a southbound white Toyota Tundra pickup truck, notorious for its conspicuous ‘MAGA’ decal.
The incident occurred when the white Toyota Tundra was navigating south along Route 233 and decided to make a pass on another vehicle. The vehicle being overtaken was preparing to execute a right turn into the post office parking lot when the unfortunate clash happened.
While the Toyota truck was trying to overtake via the western shoulder, its path collided with the turning vehicle. This collision resulted in significant damage to the other vehicle, with a particular impact on the passenger-side quarter panel and the headlight. It is suspected that this damage was caused by this questionable maneuver executed by the truck driver.
Following the accident, the driver of the pickup truck, who is yet to be identified, steered his vehicle into the Westmo Car Wash parking lot. This action suggested that he was intending to probe and evaluate the extent of damage endured by his vehicle as a consequence of the hit-and-run collision.
The offender is described as a middle-aged white male, but detailed identification features remain obscure. Furthermore, the State Police reported additional complications in identifying the pickup truck which was missing a front license plate, further hindering the identification endeavor.
Moreover, the visibility of the rear license plate was compromised due to an accumulation of dirt, rendering it virtually illegible. This further exacerbated the identification issues by frustrating the efforts to secure the registration information of the offending vehicle.
Adding another distinctive feature to the vehicle’s description, the pickup truck boasted a red tailgate. The ‘MAGA’ sticker, inscribed in bold white lettering, may serve as a significant identifying element, due to its conspicuous placement.
After assessing his vehicle in the car wash parking lot, the perpetrator vacated the premises without making any contact with the victim of his reckless driving. Subsequently, he continued to follow the initial route, heading southbound on Route 233.
The failure of the driver to stay on the scene after the collision and his negligence towards the victim constitutes a breach of legal duties in the case of an accident. This missing driver, therefore, stands guilty of unacceptable road etiquette, coupled with potential legal infringements.
The manhunt for this unidentified driver is ongoing, with the State Police making considerable efforts to resolve the case as rapidly as possible. They are relentlessly gathering evidence and making connections to any potential leads that could bring this unfortunate incident to a resolution.
Appealing to members of the public for help, the police have urged anyone with knowledge of this hit-and-run case to collaborate. The officials stress that every detail, regardless of how minute it may seem, could potentially connect the dots and serve a crucial role in identifying the driver.
To make an outstanding contribution to this ongoing investigation, the State Police are encouraging everyone possessing even the minutest piece of information to reach out. Offering a direct line of communication, those in possession of such knowledge are intimated to call the NYSP at their Troop D Headquarters.
The contact number for providing any leads on this case has been disclosed as 315-366-6000. Potential informants are strongly encouraged to dial this number and share everything they know or noticed, aiming at expediting the search, identification, and, hopefully, capture of the perpetrator.
This incident mirrors the grim reality of hit-and-run cases on our roads and emphasizes the urgency for shared responsibility on roads, coupled with adherence to legal and ethical driving standards. The public’s assistance in such cases is crucial to achieving justice and maintaining safer roads.