Hit-and-Run Driver Tracked to Her Home, Cops Say

A 66-year-old Sparta woman was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after police said she struck a vehicle as it was being parked on Center Street near Panera Bread on Sunday.

Lois N. Drinkard was charged with reckless driving and failure to report an accident in addition to the charges for leaving the scene.

According to Sgt. John-Paul Beebe, police received several calls about the alleged hit-and-run at 2 p.m. Sunday. The callers told police that Drinkard's car collided with another vehicle, a 2010 Honda CRV, and fled the scene without stopping, Beebe said. Callers also provided a description of Drinkard, Beebe said.

Beebe said an investigation led police to believe Drinkard was driving a beige Cadillac and traveling north on Center Street at an unsafe speed when Drinkard allegedly struck the front left side of the Honda, causing moderate damage. Drinkard fled the scene at a high speed, Beebe said, exiting on to Woodport Road and then traveling north.

Police located Drinkard's vehicle at her home and Beebe said the Cadillac had sustained heavy damage to the front passenger side, with engine fluids leaking in the driveway. Beebe said Drinkard denied striking the Honda and insisted she struck a snowbank. 

Drinkard is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7.  

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