Dashcam Helps Track Down Driver in Rochester Hit-and-Run

A Rochester man used dashcam footage and a license plate match to identify the driver who hit his car on I-490 West.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts

Dashcam Helps Track Down Driver in Rochester Hit-and-Run

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Grafton Wilkins' dashcam captured a black Honda striking his car while he was merging onto I-490 West in Rochester, N.Y. Wilkins reported the incident to New York State Police, and the driver was later ticketed.

Why it matters

The case shows how dashcam footage and public video can help identify drivers in crashes that do not involve injuries. It also illustrates how vehicle damage and license plates can be used to link a car to an incident.

The dashcam footage captured the collision on I-490 West, and the identification was made roughly 10 days after the crash. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The players

New York State Police

The state law enforcement agency that received Wilkins' report and footage and ticketed the driver.

The details

Wilkins posted the initial dashcam footage to multiple platforms under the account @peapantalonas. He later took a new video, obtained the VIN number, and confirmed the car's damage, then matched the license plate to a car parked outside his workplace, where the driver was attending a job interview.

Two weeks before the article: Black Honda hit Wilkins' car on I-490 West.
Ten days after the crash: The other driver attended a job interview at Wilkins' workplace.
One week before the article: Wilkins matched the license plate to the car at work.
Last week: Wilkins posted a follow-up video of the car at work.

Roadmap

Consumer dashcams have become a common source of evidence in minor collisions, with footage increasingly shared online and used by police and insurers to establish fault. This case follows that pattern, with a private citizen using dashcam video and vehicle identifiers to track down the other driver.

Drivers who record their own collisions with dashcams may be able to provide footage to police and insurers to help resolve claims. Keeping a clear view of your license plate and vehicle damage can make identification easier if the other driver leaves the scene.

The takeaway

Dashcam footage can be a practical tool for drivers involved in collisions, especially when other drivers leave the scene. Recording and preserving clear footage of license plates and vehicle damage can help support insurance claims and police reports.