Tewksbury, MA – A pedestrian was seriously injured Thursday night in a hit-and-run crash on Park Avenue, prompting an active investigation by the Tewksbury Police Department. Authorities say the driver responsible for the crash fled the scene, but officers were able to quickly identify a suspect vehicle using advanced technology.
According to police, officers were dispatched to 17 Park Ave. at approximately 9:02 p.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When they arrived, they found the victim lying on the ground near a damaged Lexus NX350. The Lexus had visible damage along the driver’s side, indicating it had also been impacted during the incident.
Emergency responders transported the injured pedestrian to Lowell General Hospital. Officials confirmed that the victim suffered serious injuries; however, they are not believed to be life-threatening. No further information about the victim’s identity or current condition has been released.
Investigation and Suspect Vehicle Identified
Initial findings revealed that a second vehicle had collided with both the pedestrian and the Lexus before leaving the scene without stopping. Investigators began reviewing available evidence, including footage and automated license plate reader data, to determine which vehicle may have been involved.
Through the use of automated license plate reader technology, police identified a 2016 Kia Sorento that was traveling in the area around the time of the crash. Records show that the vehicle is registered to a resident of Billerica.
On Friday morning, officers executed a search warrant for the Kia Sorento. After examining the SUV, investigators determined that it had been involved in the accident. The vehicle was subsequently seized and transported to police headquarters for further examination.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect, and the case remains under active investigation.
Role of Technology in the Case
Police officials emphasized the importance of modern investigative tools in quickly identifying the vehicle connected to the crash. Chief Ryan Columbus stated that automated plate readers played a critical role in narrowing down the suspect vehicle within hours of the incident.
“We would not have been able to identify the vehicle involved in this incident without the use of automatic plate readers,” Columbus said. He noted that access to such technology allows law enforcement to gather valuable information more efficiently and can significantly accelerate investigations.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives continue to review evidence and are working to determine who was driving the Kia Sorento at the time of the crash. Additional charges could follow once the responsible individual is identified.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information related to the crash to contact the Tewksbury Police Department.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work toward holding those responsible accountable.
