Man nabbed in fatal hit-run bike accident on Rt. 11

Jason Douglas (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A little over two months after a Rochester bicyclist was struck and killed by a motorist who then fled the scene, a New Durham man has been arrested in the case.

Jason Douglas, of 28 Miller Road, was arrested on Thursday and charged with conduct after an accident.

The arrest comes after a lengthy investigation by Rochester Police and the Strafford County Technical Accident Reconstruction Team which included numerous interviews, DNA analysis, toxicology tests and accident reconstruction and analysis.

Jeffrey Howarth, 51, was riding his bicycle around 12:30 a.m. on May 7 on Route 11 at the Exit 15 southbound on-ramp to the Spaulding Turnpike when he was struck, police say.

The vehicle failed to stop, however, and it was determined that Howarth was struck by a vehicle that had been heading east on Route 11 and was entering the on-ramp. He was dead when responders arrived. Howarth's bike was found to have no lights or reflectors.

Police found the vehicle suspected in the crash later that day in the New York Street area of Dover, N.H., promptly impounding the vehicle and beginning a lengthy forensic investigation.

Douglas was bailed on $25,000 personal recognizance with an arraignment set for Aug. 31.