Two injured in separate pedestrian accidents; hit-and-run suspect sought

Staff reports 8:06 a.m.


Two injured in separate pedestrian accidents; hit-and-run suspect sought

ROCHESTER - Police responded to two pedestrian accidents in a matter of just minutes on Friday night, including one that involved a hit-and-run.

In the first accident, a Rochester man struck while walking in the middle of Milton Road was taken into custody after he was found to have outstanding arrest warrants against him.

The incident unfolded around 9:15 p.m. as police and rescue responded to the area of 113 Milton Road for a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian.
During the investigation it was learned that Joseph Ercolino, 37, no street address given, was walking in the center of the road near the double yellow line when he was struck by James Cavallaro, 73.

Cavallaro, no address given, was traveling north in a Dodge Caravan at the time of the accident.

Ercolino was taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital with what were described as nonlife threatening injuries. He was arrested for outstanding warrants for charges stemming from an unrelated incident and bailed on personal recognizance.

There was only minor damage to the Caravan.

The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to contact Officer Marvin at the Rochester Police Department, (603) 330-7128.

Just a few minutes later, around 9:30 police were called to the area of Farmington Road near the Granite Steak and Grill for a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian.

Police say Shawna Ducharme, 36, of Rochester, was walking along the shoulder of the road on the northbound side when she was struck. The vehicle then fled the scene.

Ducharme was transported to the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, but there was no immediate word on her condition.

Based on evidence at the scene the suspect vehicle will have damage to the front passenger corner and specifically the right front headlight area, police say. The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to contact Officer Turgeon at the Rochester Police Department, (603) 330-7128.