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Police Make Arrest in Deadly Hit-and-Run in Vernon

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Police have arrested a man in connection with a deadly hit-and-run in Vernon last Tuesday.

Officials said 41-year-old Philip Holmes, of Somers, was arrested on Monday.

Vernon Police
Philip Holmes, 41, of Somers, was arrested on Monday.

Investigators said they believe 44-year-old Andrew Aggarwala was walking his puppy along Phoenix Street when he was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. According to police, Aggarwala was killed in the hit-and-run.

Area surveillance footage and a checkpoint put in place by police in the area of the crash helped police identify a vehicle-of-interest, which they then seized for evidence on Wednesday.

Holmes was arrested without incident in East Granby and faces charges including misconduct with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility causing death, and possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Authorities said Aggarwala was well known in the Vernon community for his volunteer work as a youth sports coach. Officers said Aggarwala was a leader with the Vernon Soccer Club and was active with other youth sports organizations. He has two children who attend Vernon Public Schools, police said.

A puppy that was lost during the hit-and-run was found and reunited with family on Saturday. Vernon police said the puppy named Ollie was found safe on Brighton Lane and was returned to his family.

The accident remains under investigation.

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