Woonsocket woman arrested while milking cows in alleged hit-and-run case

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. — A 31-year-old woman was arrested at her job milking cows after police say she left the scene of a crash involving a handicap-accessible vehicle earlier this year.

Hosanna Nystrom, of Woonsocket is charged with failure to stop for an accident resulting in damage following the January incident in the parking lot of Lindy’s Tavern.

Crash left vehicle unusable for driver

Police said officers responded to the parking lot around 5:50 p.m. on January 17, where the victim reported his vehicle had been hit while parked in a designated handicap space.

According to investigators, a truck struck the rear passenger side door of the vehicle. The driver initially approached and said she would provide insurance details, but instead left the scene. As she exited, she reportedly claimed her vehicle had not made contact.

Authorities said the damage caused the vehicle’s side door and wheelchair ramp to malfunction, preventing the victim, who uses an electric wheelchair, from entering as usual. Officers noted he had to manually transfer himself into the driver’s seat after his wheelchair was taken apart.

Surveillance footage helped identify suspect

Police later reviewed surveillance video, which showed the crash and helped identify the suspect inside the restaurant.

Officers said they traced Nystrom through a credit card used to pay her tab. Additional investigation led them to her place of employment at Wright’s Dairy Farm.

When contacted by phone, Nystrom acknowledged being at the restaurant but denied involvement in a crash, according to police.

Arrest made at dairy farm

A warrant was later issued, and officers located Nystrom at work in February, where she was taken into custody.

Police said she later told investigators she left the scene because she was frightened by the victim’s behavior.

Nystrom was issued a summons to appear in 3rd District Court and is scheduled for a hearing on March 31.