Hartly – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has arrested a Hartly man involved in the fatal hit and run crash with the Amish buggy on August 31, 2017, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said Robert H. Eckeard, 29 of Hartly was taken into custody Wednesday September 6, 2017 at his residence by detectives and transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death, Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Death, Failure to Show Proof of Insurance, and Expired Tags. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $7,002.00 cash bond.
The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2017 as Ervin D. Miller, 55 of Hartly, was operating a horse drawn carriage westbound on Halltown Road (SR8) attempting to make a left turn into Royal Farms at the intersection with Hartly Road (SR44). Robert Eckeard was operating a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina eastbound on SR8 and collided with the carriage, ejecting both Miller and his 55-year-old wife into the roadway, according to Fournier. Eckeard then continued eastbound on SR8 without stopping.
Ervin Miller was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where he was later pronounced dead. His wife was also transported to KGH where she was treated and has recently been released, added Fournier.
Troopers said that they wanted to thank the public for their assistance provided by calling tips into Delaware Crime Stoppers.
Original Story
Hartly – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash south of Hartly, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said the incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2017 as Ervin D. Miller, 55 of Hartly, was operating a horse drawn carriage westbound on Halltown Road (SR8) attempting to make a left turn into Royal Farms at the intersection with Hartly Road (SR44).
An unknown make and model vehicle was traveling eastbound on SR8 and collided with the carriage, ejecting both Miller and his 55-year-old wife into the roadway. The vehicle then continued eastbound on SR8 and possibly turned northbound on Pearsons Corner Road, according to Fournier.
Ervin Miller was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where he was later pronounced dead. His wife was also transported to KGH and is currently admitted in critical condition.
The fleeing vehicle was only described at a dark colored older style passenger car that may have sustained considerable damage to the front bumper, hood, and window, said Fournier.
The horse detached itself from the carriage and ran from the scene, later to be located back at the residence of the victims. It is unknown if it sustained any injuries.
SR8 in the area of the crash was closed for three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. If anyone has any information in reference to this crash or the hit and run vehicle, they are asked to contact Detective W. Killen at 302-698-8451. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
Click to view original release: **Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash South of Hartly
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at [email protected].
Image Credits: Delaware State Police