WAWARSING, N.Y. (NEWS10)– A Liberty man has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an incident after hitting a 20-year-old pedestrian in Wawarsing in March. According to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, John Mansfield, 72, admitted to hitting the man and leaving the scene.
On March 12, Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a pedestrian that was struck by a southbound Freightliner semi-truck near 7500 State Route 209 in Wawarsing at 9:50 p.m. He sustained significant injuries but has since recovered.
Officials said the 20-year-old was walking across Route 209 when the truck hit him. The DA’s office said video surveillance from the scene showed Mansfield never stopped the truck to render aid or report the accident, he reportedly left the scene and brought the truck to a repair shop.
Upon an investigation, Mansfield told investigators he thought he struck a deer. He was then charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in serious physical injury and tampering with physical evidence.
On September 25, Mansfield pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in serious physical injury.
Officials said he is expected back in Ulster County Court on January 8 for sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Derohannnesian. Mansfield is being represented by Jonathan Goldin.
