On August 31, 2023, at approximately 12:37 A.M, New York State Police from the Liberty barracks responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident on State Route 17B in the town of Bethel. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Dodge Charger, operated by Thomas Piatt, age 67 from the town of Bethel, struck a motorized bike, operated by a 17-year-old male from Cochecton. After striking the teen, Piatt left the scene. Troopers located Thomas Piatt and the Dodge Charger approximately five miles from the initial collision.  The teen was transported Garnet Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. During the investigation it was determined that Piatt was impaired by alcohol. He was subsequently arrested for Leaving the Scene of an Accident that Resulted in Death a felony, Vehicular Manslaughter 2^nd degree a felony, and Driving While Intoxicated a misdemeanor. Piatt was arraigned in the town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of bail.  His next court appearance is September 5, 2023 at 4:00 P.M. in the town of Bethel Court.