THURMONT, Md. – Police are looking for the driver involved in a hit and run accident Jan. 31 which caused the lock-down of Thurmont schools after it was reported that the suspect had fled the scene on foot.

According to police, Thurmont Officer Christopher McLoughlin, using a stationary radar unit, detected a Dodge vehicle at 10:43 a.m. heading westbound on West Main Street, Thurmont, at 40 miles-per-hour in a 25 mile-per-hour speed zone.

McLoughlin attempted to pull the car over for the alleged speeding violation and for failure to wear a seat belt, but the driver, according to police, refused to stop.

Hit and run suspect flees on foot

In his report of the incident, Thurmont Police Chief Gregory Eyler said the Dodge accelerated down West Main and onto the southbound U.S. 15 ramp. The driver lost control of the car which collided with a pick-up truck on U.S. 15. “The driver of the Dodge exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot,” the chief said.

Thurmont police, sheriff’s office deputies, a state canine unit and a state helicopter then searched the area for the suspect. A staff member at Thurmont Middle School confirmed that Thurmont elementary, primary and middle schools were locked down from 11:30 to 11:50 a.m. as a precaution during the search for the suspect.

According to Chief Eyler, the driver of the pick-up was identified as Kenneth Henry Bosic, Clear Spring, Md. Bosic declined medical treatment. No other injuries were reported. The suspect’s vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location.

Suspect at large and linked to Jubilee theft

Being sought by the Thurmont Police Department as a “person of interest” in the alleged incident is Robert Michael Buck, 23.

Thurmont Police said that Buck was from the Baltimore area, and described him as a white male, about 5’7” tall, 140 pounds, wearing a black, hooded parka and blue jeans.

Jennifer Bailey, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, told The Dispatch that Buck is also wanted by the sheriff’s office on a warrant for the alleged theft of over $500 from Jubilee Foods in Emmitsburg on Sept. 25, 2005.

Bailey said the warrant lists Buck’s place of residency as Thurmont.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call Thurmont police at 301-271-0905.