An Albany man is currently behind bars inside the Clinton County Jail following an investigation into a hit-and-run.

Thomas E. Lance was arrested on December 1, 2023, following an investigation by New York State Police detectives. According to a press release, detectives received a report of a car vs. pedestrian crash at the Exit 36 Truckstop in Plattsburgh, New York.

New York State Police troopers responded to the Exit 36 Truckstop on September 6, 2023, at approximately 8:20 p.m. to investigate a report of a man struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, troopers located a 53-year-old male suffering from severe injuries. The vehicle involved in the incident was gone before law enforcement arrived at the scene.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Wayne H. Haupt of Albany, New York. Haupt was later pronounced deceased at the University of Vermont Health Network at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital “CVPH”.

The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was multiple severe compression blunt force injuries. Doctor Michael Sikirica ruled the manner of death a homicide on September 8, 2023.

The investigation revealed the driver of the suspect vehicle was 38-year-old Thomas E. Lance of Albany, New York. Lance was arrested in Long Lake after fleeing a traffic stop in Tupper Lake. Lance was remanded to the Clinton County Jail on a second-degree murder charge on a no-bond status.

New York State Police arrested Lance on additional charges, first- and second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder, third-degree larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. A reappearance court date is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on January 3, 2024.