Police: Milton man nabbed for DWI, drugs after fleeing Gonic hit-n-run on flat tire

Zachary Garland of Milton and damaged rim on suspect vehicle (Rochester Police photos)

ROCHESTER - The suspect in a hit and run accident on Saturday night was tracked down by police who found scrape marks on the pavement near his car when it was found at the Lilac Mall four and a half miles from the accident scene.

The incident unfolded as police received a call around 11:05 p.m. about a two-car motor vehicle accident where one car was driving away from the accident scene near the Gonic Road Irving Circle K. The caller said they believed the driver might be intoxicated, that the suspect vehicle had a flat tire, and was driving on its rim with sparks flying.
Police located the suspect vehicle, a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, near the Lilac Mall and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle had sustained front end damage and had a flat tire, which had been worn down to the rim causing scrape marks in the roadway leading to the vehicle.
During the accident investigation, Police determined that the driver, Zachary Garland, 24, of Milton, was operating under the influence and was found to have illegal drugs in his possession, a felony, according to Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham. Garland was also charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.
He was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at Strafford County Superior Court later this month.