Harrison Thorp 5:08 a.m. Updated 11:20 a.m.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 5:15 am
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ROCHESTER - The car involved in a hit-and-run crash on Monday that killed the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard has been impounded, a Rochester Police spokesman confirmed today.
Brig. Gen. John W. "Pogo" Pogorek, 57, of Strafford, died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a red Toyota Rav 4 headed west while securing a load on his SUV's trailer in the area of 10 Crown Point Road around 5:20 p.m.
Not long after the accident police were able to locate the red Rav 4, which was later determined to be driven by Paul Clement, 81, of Rochester, who is cooperating with police, Patrol Captain Jeremy F. Aucoin said today.
Aucoin also told The Rochester Voice there was damage to the Rav 4. He added that charges have not been brought forward as of this posting.
Pogorek, who had been driving a 2014 Toyota Tundra prior to getting out of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased on scene.
A juvenile passenger in the Tundra during the crash did not sustain any injuries from the incident, police say.
The Strafford County Regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation. Crown Point Road from the intersection of Meaderboro Road and Estes Road to the intersection of Strafford Road was closed for several hours during the investigation.
One person who works at the Newington base who didn't want their name in this article said they were devastated by the news.
"He was my commander," they said. "And his son was in the car. It's just awful."
Pogorek was named commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022, and his duties included keeping Adj. General David J. Mikolaities and Gov. Chris Sununu apprised of all matters related to the New Hampshire Air National Guard. He was also responsible for all operations at the base.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the New Hampshire National Guard spoke highly of Pogorek as being one of their "finest airmen and leaders."
Gov. Chris Sununu also praised his service, saying Pogorek's "commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten."
Pogorek is survived by his wife, Whitney, and their five children.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation. Anyone who may have information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact Rochester Police Department Detective Matthew Flathers at (603) 330-7128 or matthew.flathers@rochesternh.gov.