Hartly – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has arrested a Hartly man involved in the fatal hit and run crash with the Amish buggy on August 31, 2017.

Robert H. Eckeard, 29 of Hartly was taken into custody Wednesday September 6, 2017 at his residence by detectives and transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death, Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Death, Failure to Show Proof of Insurance, and Expired Tags.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $7,002.00 cash bond.

The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2017 as Ervin D. Miller, 55 of Hartly, was operating a horse drawn carriage westbound on Halltown Road (SR8) attempting to make a left turn into Royal Farms at the intersection with Hartly Road (SR44).  Robert Eckeard was operating a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina eastbound on SR8 and collided with the carriage, ejecting both Miller and his 55-year-old wife into the roadway.  Eckeard then continued eastbound on SR8 without stopping.

Ervin Miller was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where he was later pronounced dead.  His wife was also transported to KGH where she was treated and has recently been released.

We would like to thank the public for their assistance provided by calling tips into Delaware Crime Stoppers.

Click to view: **Update** State Police Investigating Fatal Crash South of Hartly

Click to view original release: **Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash South of Hartly

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 090717 0855

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