File photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A Merrimack police officer investigates the scene of the December crash involving this vehicle and a plow truck. The truck driver, who police said fled the scene, turned himself in to police over the weekend and faces court action next week. (File photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

MERRIMACK – The driver of the snow plow who allegedly failed to stop after the truck and a small SUV collided in a South Merrimack intersection the evening of Dec. 20 has turned himself in, police said.

Esad Buco, 50, of 12 Dover St., Manchester, faces one count each of conduct after an accident and disobeying a traffic control device, both of which are Class A misdemeanors.

Police said Buco turned himself in over the weekend after learning a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

He was booked on the charges and later released on personal recognizance bail pending an appearance in Merrimack district court, which police said is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9.

The driver of the SUV, who was not identified, had to be extricated from her heavily damaged vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of what were described as serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Esad Buco, 50, of 12 Dover St., Manchester

Police, firefighters and medical personnel were called just before 9 p.m. Dec. 20 to the intersection of Route 101A and Continental Boulevard for a report of a crash involving a plow truck.

Witnesses told officers that following the collision, the plow truck allegedly “left the scene … did not stop after the crash occurred.”

Investigators developed information that led them to the owner of the plow truck, whom they identified as Gary Fitzgerald of Weare.

Fitzgerald told investigators he was a plowing contractor for the state Department of Transportation, and that Buco was driving the truck when the crash occurred.

Police determined that the plow truck and two DOT plow trucks were working together, and that the truck Buco was driving was the third in line.

When the trucks reached the intersection, witnesses told police, one of them, later determined to be the one Buco was driving, allegedly “proceeded through a red light while crossing the intersection,” at which time the truck and the SUV collided.

Investigators subsequently issued the warrant for Buco’s arrest, and he promptly turned himself in upon learning of the warrant.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.