Arrest made in Clifton Park hit-and-run case

PHOTOGRAPHER: New York State Police

Thomas R. Wright

CLIFTON PARK — State police have arrested a Waterford man in connection with the Saturday night hit-and-run car-pedestrian crash that seriously injured Michael Novenche, whose family on Tuesday thanked those who facilitated the arrest.

Thomas R. Wright, 45, was charged late Monday with one count of leaving the scene of a serious personal injury accident, a felony.

Wright was arraigned and taken to jail on bail.

Wright is accused of hitting Novenche just before midnight Saturday at Crescent and Lapp roads. He then fled the crash scene, according to police.

The family was not commenting Tuesday on Wright, said Patty Novenche, Michael’s aunt.

However, she said, the family was grateful to those who supported them during and after Saturday’s incident, including a nurse and Uber driver who stopped to help Michael Novenche after he was hit, the EMTs who responded to the scene, the state police and everyone who shared the story on social media.

On Tuesday, Novenche remained in the Intensive Care Unit at Albany Medical Center, said Patty Novenche, but she said he had taken a few steps and was able to sit in a chair.

“We have always known how blessed we have been to have Michael for the last 20 years, and prayer has been a huge part in his life as well as ours,” she said. “There definitely could have been a different outcome with all of the injuries he sustained and by what we were told. We are a family that has been through so much with Michael, and we know miracles have happened throughout his life, and that is why he is here. Saturday night was just another one.”

Police credited tips from the public with helping them find Wright. Troopers released a photo of a piece of a bumper that broke off at the scene and identified the vehicle as a 2007-2010 Hyundai Santa Fe.

State police said Wright’s vehicle — a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe — had extensive front-end damage.

Novenche was walking home alone from a friend’s house when he was struck, family have said.

Previous: Brother: Hit-and-run victim is a fighter, Oct. 29, 2018

After news of Wright’s arrest began circulating late Monday night, a relative took to Twitter to thank everyone involved.

“My family and I can’t express how much it means to us. The love and support from the community is nothing short of incredible,” Joseph Novenche wrote. “Thank you again.”

To everyone who was apart of spreading the word, and to whoever showed endless support, thank you. My family and I can’t express how much it means to us. The love and support from the community is nothing short of incredible. Thank you again. https://t.co/Cel2PaJqRs

— Joseph Novenche (@Joenovenche) October 30, 2018