Rochester Police investigating weekend hit and run, road rage assault cases

Scrubbing Board Laundromat on Hancock, where alleged assault occurred. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police continue to investigate an early morning hit and run and an assault from last weekend that could both result in charges.

The hit and run occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Friday when a vehicle slammed into a Brock Street residence before fleeing the scene and heading toward Columbus Avenue, according to police dispatch notes. The reporting citizen noted the car's engine was smoking as it left.

The unidentified residence was struck so hard fire officials were summoned to inspect the building for structural damage.

Police say they located the vehicle a short time later and called for a Strafford County Sheriff's Office K9 unit, which attempted but was unsuccessful in a brief track.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said the man driving the car came into headquarters to speak with officers later that morning. Pinkham said charges are "possible."

Sunday's alleged assault unfolded around 7:30 p.m. when a caller to Rochester dispatch said they were being followed by another vehicle in an apparent road rage incident.

The reporting party told dispatch the other vehicle almost hit them, and its driver pointed a gun at a passenger in the reporting party's car.

They then told police they would wait for an officer near Village Pizza on Hancock Street, just steps away from where the alleged assault occurred at the nearby Scrubbing Board Laundromat.

The alleged victim said their assailant had thrown something at them cutting their lip. They later refused treatment by Frisbie Memorial Hospital emergency personnel.

Pinkham said both investigations are active and ongoing, and anyone with information should call Rochester Police immediately at 603.330.7127.