Man Arrested In Deadly Plymouth Hit-And-Run
PLYMOUTH (CBS) – A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal Plymouth hit-and-run, police confirmed on Friday morning.
Police said Timothy Lapierre, 39, was arrested Thursday night at his home. He has been charged in the death of Marjorie Cochrane.
The 69-year-old, along with her dog, Sasha, were struck near their home. She was MedFlighted to Boston but didn't survive, and her dog died in their driveway.
Rick Cochrane, Marjorie's son, said he couldn't understand how someone could just drive away from an accident.
"The tough part about that is just how can you leave someone on the side of the road," he said. "...You just don't leave a person and the dog on the side of the road and take off."
Lapierre has been charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving scene of an accident resulting in death.
He was arraigned on Friday.
Tim Shyne, Lapierre's attorney, said he was unaware that he had hit a woman because the sun was in his eyes. However, he did know that he'd struck the dog and followed it in his truck, thinking it was going to be OK before driving to work.
"He never saw a victim in the roadway," Shyne said in court. "So, this is certainly not a situation where this young man left anybody to die in the roadway."
Plymouth Police Chief Mike Botieri said investigators found Lapierre's vehicle, a Chevy Silverado, based on the damage done to the truck and witnesses' accounts.
Cochrane and Lapierre lived about a mile away from one another. Neighbors were stunned by the news.
"For somebody to just hit her and leave her there like that, it's unthinkable," said Jeff Zuberer.
"I don't understand why people would drive by and not stop," added Kyra Schaefer.
Police were back in the area of the crash on Friday morning as the investigation continues.
Officers had been looking for the driver since the Thursday morning crash. Police previously said the involved vehicle likely had heavy front end damage and a smashed windshield.
The accident occurred around 8 a.m. on the corner of Lunns Way and Garrett Place. Flowers and a cross bearing the victims' names have been placed in that area.
Lapierre was released on $25,000 cash bail. He is slated to return to court on April 8.
