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NH officer accused of striking two teenagers in hit and run crash

MANCHESTER, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A 17-year veteran of the Manchester Police Department is accused of striking two teenage boys with his department-issued vehicle and fleeing the scene on Friday night.

The Manchester Police Department launched an investigation after learning that one of their unmarked, undercover vehicles assigned to Stephen Coco, a detective sergeant working in the Special Investigations Unit, was possibly involved in a hit-and-run crash.

As a result of the investigation, officials learned Coco had violated several other departmental procedures and he was terminated.

On Tuesday morning, Coco was arrested and charged with two counts of felony conduct after an accident.

According to court documents, vehicle parts were left at the scene, parts that were consistent with Coco's damaged Nissan Pathfinder.

Witnesses told police an SUV was seen leaving the scene following the crash.

One of the victims was transported to a local hospital with serious head injuries. The other teen suffered minor injuries. Both have been released from the hospital.

Authorities in Bedford say Coco initially denied leaving his house on Friday night. They also declined to say if Coco was actually driving the car.

The incident is being investigated by the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office, and the suspected vehicle is currently in the custody of the Bedford Police Department pending further examination.