Springfield hit-and-run driver who hit hydrant found, cited

Crews were called after a man reportedly hit the hydrant and fled.

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According to the police report, the driver was traveling north on Bechtle Avenue, from the 2100 block, and upon approaching North Bechtle Avenue and St. Paris Connector he failed to maintain control and struck the fire hydrant.

“Officers located the man walking in the area of Home Road and Fountain Avenue,” Springfield Police Division Sgt. Nick Holt said. “The man was cited with failure to control and failure to stop after an accident.”

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Holt said the police division does not know what caused the driver to lose control.

After the man hit the fire hydrant, a leak was reported to Springfield Public Works Department. The leak caused water to move into a traffic signal box, but it was not classified as a major water leak, Holt said.