Wellesley Man Was Drinking All Day Prior to Hit-and-Run

WELLESLEY, MA - A 21-year-old man who struck a bicyclist Friday and then fled the scene had been drinking throughout the day, police said.

Connor Campanelli hit the 47-year-old Framingham man as they were traveling in opposite directions on Hampshire Road near Bristol Road. He drove off, but turned himself in to police later that evening.

The man remained in the hospital Monday night, but his injuries were described as non-life threatening.

According to police records obtained by the Wellesley Townsman Campanelli had a blood alcohol level of .14, close to twice the legal limit in Massachusetts of .08, when he submitted to a breath test close to two hours after the accident.

Through witness reports, Wellesley Police believe Campanelli first started drinking around 11 a.m. Friday and continued into the afternoon.

Following his arrest, police searched Campanelli's home and car and found a number of empty alcohol bottles, as well as nine Solo cups with remnants of mimosas in them, according to the Townsman.

At a hearing Monday, Campanelli pleaded not guilty to charges of operating under the influence (and negligently, causing serious bodily injury); leaving the scene of a personal injury collision; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; speeding; and failure to keep right.

A judge has ordered him to remain drug-and alcohol-free and cease driving while the case is ongoing.