(Watertown) A Watertown man accused of hitting a bicyclist with his vehicle then leaving the scene has made his initial court appearance. Christopher Braatz is facing a felony charge of Hit and Run Involving Injury.
Watertown police were called to the Silver Creek Road and Hinze Lane in August for report of a bicyclist who was struck by a truck. Witnesses told law enforcement that the vehicle hit a rider with its side mirror as it passed knocking them to the ground.
The driver did return to the scene and according to the complaint, denied hitting anyone. He then left but not before a witness took a photo of his license plate, leading investigator to reportedly identify Braatz as the driver.
When questioned, Braatz allegedly admitted to striking the bicyclist but said he left because the rider said he was OK. The victim suffered multiple abrasions.
If convicted, the 46-year-old faces up to nine months behind bars. A signature bond was set at $5,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 8th.
