POTSDAM, N.Y. (WCAX) – An 18 year-old was arrested after fleeing the scene of a hit and run that killed a SUNY Potsdam student.
20 year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, N.Y. was hit by a car just after 3 a.m. Saturday morning on Pierrepont Avenue, which borders SUNY Potsdam’s campus. She was taken to the hospital, where she would later die of her injuries. SUNY Potsdam said in a statement that she was a sophomore business major, and part of the women’s basketball team.
Police say after hitting Smith, the driver, 18 year-old Jakob Krise of Brasher Falls, N.Y. sped away from the scene. He was later found and arrested around 7 a.m. the same day. He’s now facing multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crime that would result in death, and driving while intoxicated. He is set to appear in Potsdam Town Court Wednesday, May 20 at noon.
The university said they were making plans for a special commemoration for Smith, and at graduation Saturday, they held a moment of silence in her honor.
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