KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The Kennett Square Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a man from White Hall, Maryland following a hit-and-run incident that occurred last December. The suspect, identified as Thomas Ponelli III, faces charges of carrying a firearm without a license, driving under the influence, and other related traffic offenses.
On December 2, 2023, at approximately 5:39 p.m., police were dispatched to the 200 block of Birch Street in Kennett Square Borough for a reported hit-and-run accident. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Ponelli, the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle involved in the incident. Officers noted signs of intoxication and asked Ponelli to complete field sobriety tests, which he refused.
Ponelli was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. A subsequent chemical test of his breath reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .288%, well above the legal limit. He was later released pending the issuance of a summons.
A search of Ponelli’s vehicle before it was towed revealed a loaded firearm behind the driver’s seat. According to authorities, Ponelli’s Pennsylvania concealed carry permit had expired in February 2023, and he was unable to provide an active permit at the time of the incident.
Ponelli is described as a white male, 29 years old, 5’10”, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. The arrest warrant was issued by District Court 15-3-04 on January 22, 2024.
Anyone with information about Ponelli or the incident is encouraged to contact the Kennett Square Police Department at 610-444-0501 or submit a tip online.
As this case continues to unfold, it is important to remember that all information is subject to change as new details emerge. Furthermore, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.