Driver sought in early morning hit-run; two students injured

A hit-and-run accident near Daemen College early this morning left two college students hospitalized, and Amherst police are asking the public's help in finding the driver involved.

At 1:41 a.m., Amy Stewart, 22, of Grand Island and Rachel A. Baird, 21, of East Syracuse were crossing Main Street at Campus Drive when they were both struck by a car that was westbound on Main.

The vehicle continued heading west after the incident.

Witnesses said the car may have been a dark SUV and maybe a 1990s model. Police believe the front end of the vehicle, particularly the grill, would be damaged.

Stewart, a graduate student at the University at Buffalo, suffered head trauma and was transported to Erie County Medical Center, where she was reported in critical condition this afternoon. She was being cared for in the trauma intensive care unit. Her condition was listed as critical.

Baird, who is a senior at Daemen, suffered injuries to her chest and abdomen. She was also taken to ECMC where she was in fair condition as of late this morning.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Amherst Police at 689-1355.