CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A Dillwyn man faces multiple charges in connection with the hit-and-run crash involving an Amish horse-drawn buggy in Buckingham County, according to the Virginia State Police.
Stuart James Russell Swink, 23, allegedly struck the rear of the buggy in his 2005 GMC Yukon at approximately 5:55 p.m. Sunday, then fled the scene, on Route 20 just north of James Madison Highway, before stopping a short distance away. Swink was later taken into custody by state troopers and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI maiming, driving without a valid operator’s license, and failure to drive on the right side of the highway.
The six people inside were all taken to area hospitals with serious injuries. Three were taken by ambulance; the other three were airlifted by MedFlight. The buggy was driven by Amos Stoltzfus, 43, also of Dillwyn. His passengers included one adult female and four children. The horse died at the scene, the VSP announced.
The crash remains under investigation with assistance from the Virginia State Police Division III Crash Reconstruction Team and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
