Otsego County, New York Hit And Run Nightmare Unfolds

Wednesday, May 1st was just another day for Amanda Travis, 44. She went to work at Springbrook, and stopped at Price Chopper in Oneonta for some quick groceries, and headed home to Milford taking her usual way of Route 28.

Her routine, mundane day was about to take a turn for the worst. In a rural area surrounded by local farms, a Jeep appeared right in front of her, swerving into her lane. Reacting quickly, she veered right to avoid what would have been a head on collision.

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The Jeep hit the driver's side of her vehicle, damaging the entire side and ripping a wheel off, sending the car into a spin. According to Travis, the Jeep then sped off, fleeing the scene. Travis walked away with minimal scrapes and contusions requiring a hospital visit, but says she's lucky she's not facing more serious injuries.

In an interview, she told me that her life flashed before her eyes, and "mentally, this has done a number on me". Travis was the only occupant of the vehicle, she was planning to meet her son and grandchild for some playtime at the park after attending a work related staff meeting. Her family members would have been in the vehicle, but they didn't feel like heading out at that time. According to Travis, this was not a car chase, the driver was operating the vehicle erratically, and from her viewpoint, was speeding when she was hit.

Travis has been interviewed twice on the matter by Otsego County deputies, once at the hospital, and last night at her home in Milford. During those interviews, investigators asked if she was able to identify the driver. Due to the speed at which the incident occurred, she stated that she only saw a male driver with red hair. No information about a suspect has been released at time of publication.

Ultimately, Travis hopes that her car will be replaced, and that the Jeep owner's insurance will cover the costs. Travis claims that the Jeep was found abandoned at another location.

Upon speaking with the sheriff's office, I was told that no statements or information are available at this time as this is an active investigation. If you have any further info on this case, please reach out to the sheriff's office at 607-547-4271.