FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Vernon, CT) – Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland State’s Attorney, announced today that Philip Holmes, age 42, of Somers, has pleaded guilty to charges of Misconduct with Motor Vehicle and Evading Responsibility in connection with the death of Andrew Aggarwala of Vernon.
Aggarwala, age 44, was walking his dog on Phoenix Street in Vernon when he was struck by a vehicle in the middle of the afternoon on November 24, 2020. The vehicle fled the scene of the crash, and despite life–saving measures performed by first responders, Aggarwala was pronounced deceased at the scene. Aggarwala is survived by his wife and two school-age daughters.
According to court documents, Vernon Police investigators were able recover small pieces of the fleeing vehicle that struck Aggarwala, and through research, including visiting area car dealerships, were able to match the small pieces of evidence left at the scene to a Hyundai Sonata, in the model years 2009-2014.
Holmes was stopped on November 25, 2020 driving a silver, 2011 Hyundai Sonata. There was fresh damage to the vehicle that matched the small pieces of evidence, including a broken headlight, a cracked windshield, and there was a reddish/brownish streak across the hood. There was also drug paraphernalia found in the vehicle. Holmes initially told investigators that his vehicle was damaged at his place of employment. But Holmes later told investigators he was struggling with a heroin addiction, and that he thought he hit a mailbox the previous day. He gave no explanation for why he did not stop and fled the scene.
Holmes entered the guilty pleas in Rockville Superior Court on November 9, 2021. He will be sentenced on January 14, 2022 before Judge Kathleen E. McNamara. Holmes’ plea agreement with the State of Connecticut is for a sentence of between 4 and 10 years, with 5 years of probation to follow. Holmes is represented Attorney Frank Russo of South Windsor.