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A 31-year-old Marcellus man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run that left a Skaneateles resident with serious injuries earlier this month.
Mitchell John Collins faces felony charges after allegedly striking a 45-year-old man who was using a snowblower in his driveway on Mottville Road on February 7, according to New York State Police.
The victim, who suffered serious internal injuries, was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where he remains hospitalized. According to a GoFundMe campaign organized for the family, the man underwent surgery on his leg and will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.
State troopers responded to the scene around 5 p.m. on February 8, a day after the incident occurred. Through interviews and surveillance footage, investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a green 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a yellow front plow and black bed cap, which was later located at a residence on Shepard Road in the Town of Marcellus, according to Syracuse.com.
On February 12, Collins was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious physical injury, a felony, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued appearance tickets to return to Skaneateles Town Court at a later date.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the victim's family has raised over $32,800 toward a $35,000 goal as of Monday afternoon. The funds will help support the victim's wife and two teenage sons while he is unable to work.
"Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference," the GoFundMe page states.