HIGHGATE, VT — A Franklin man faces charges after allegedly sideswiping another vehicle and leaving the scene.
On May 19, 2026, at 3:29 p.m., the Vermont State Police St. Albans Barracks was advised of a crash involving a vehicle sideswiping another vehicle and leaving the scene near the intersection of Franklin Road and Cassidy Road.
The operator of the vehicle that was struck, Abigail Bessette, 23, of Highgate, reported moderate damage to her 2022 Buick Encore GX.
The suspect vehicle left the scene without stopping.
A short time later, the vehicle and operator were located.
Troopers made contact with the operator and identified him as Keenan Richard, 23, of Franklin.
Richard was cited to appear in Franklin County Superior Court for leaving the scene of an accident and for driving with a criminally suspended license.
Richard was operating a 2007 Honda Civic, which sustained moderate front passenger side damage.
No injuries were reported.
