Newtown Police have charged a man with two violations after the vehicle he was operating drove over a dog that later died of its injuries. The driver reportedly checked on the condition of the dog at the scene, but did not report it to the police and left the scene.

Newtown Police announced via Facebook on December 24 that contact had been made with the man, who has been charged with Connecticut General Statute (CGS) 14-226 Failure of Motor Vehicle Operator To Report Injury or Death To Dog, an infraction; and CGS 14-300, Failure to Grant Right of Way At A Crosswalk, which carries a fine of up to $500.

The department subsequently issued a release that identified the driver as Grant Ossendryver. No additional details were given.

The incident occurred around 4 pm Friday, December 13. Main Street resident Maureen Rohmer was walking Coby, a 12-year-old Golden retriever, north on a Main Street sidewalk near Newtown Savings Bank. As Rohmer and Coby stepped off the sidewalk and into the driveway between the bank and Newtown General Store, a white SUV that was also traveling north on Main Street turned into the driveway.

The front and rear tires of the vehicle ran over Coby. Rohmer, who was just a few feet behind the dog, was not hit.

According to the updated Accident Information Summary issued December 24, Ossendryver told police he did not see Rohmer walking the dog. Ossendryver stated that as he continued to drive he felt a large bump under his rear tire.

Rohmer told The Newtown Bee last week that the driver “stopped about 20 feet down the driveway.” The driver approached Rohmer and asked about Coby. The driver left soon after a friend of Rohmer arrived at the scene to help her and Coby.

The friend, Mark Poirer, scooped up Coby and drove him and Rohmer to Newtown Veterinary Services. The staff there was unable to save Coby, who died from his injuries.

In the statement issued December 24, Newtown Police said Ossendryver stated he visited multiple veterinary offices in an attempt to locate Rohmer and the dog. He left his contact information at each office and requested it be given to the dog’s owner, the statement also notes.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.