NEWFANE, VT — Vermont State Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Route 30 near Loop Road on Feb. 16, 2026.
Police were notified of the crash at approximately 2:55 p.m. involving a vehicle that struck a fence.
The operator had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Investigation revealed the operator as Wyatt C. Watkins, 28, of Rutland City.
Police determined that Watkins struck and destroyed a homeowner’s fence and left the scene without providing the required information to the property owner or notifying law enforcement.
During the investigation, police also determined that a juvenile passenger was in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Watkins was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester that sustained moderate damage.
No injuries were reported.
Watkins was later located and issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Windham County – Criminal Division on May 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
He faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident, negligent operation, cruelty to a child and reckless endangerment.
