On Thursday, January 9, 2020, Lauren Hall, 28, of Strykersville, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a serious physical injury accident, a class E felony with sentencing within the discretion of the judge (the maximum sentence is 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison, a fine, surcharges, and DNA sample).
The charges stem from a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident involving the defendant and two young pedestrians and their dog on Dutch Hollow Road, Town of Sheldon, on August 15, 2019.
At approximately 8:15 p.m., Hall drove her car off the roadway and onto the shoulder of Dutch Hollow road. A 15-year-old girl a 12-year old girl, who were out walking their dog, were struck by Hall’s car.
The 12-year-old girl suffered serious physical injuries after being hit and thrown into the air. The 15-year-old suffered lesser injuries. The dog was killed instantly. After hitting the children, Hall drove away without stopping. She stated in court she drove off the road when she became distracted and failed to keep her eyes on the road.
Sentencing has been scheduled for April 30, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. at the Wyoming County Courthouse. Judge Michael Mohun has full discretion on sentencing as there have been no promises made to either party as to what the defendant’s sentence will be.