Police need the public's help finding the driver that struck and dragged an 85-year-old man who was out for his Monday morning walk in Melrose, Massachusetts.
Authorities responded to an area of Herbert Street at 5:45 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a witness who heard the crash. When first responders arrived, the victim was found in the roadway.
The man, identified as Edward Bozzo, a Xaverian Brother who taught for many years at Malden Catholic and St. John's Preparatory School, was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries, including two broken ankles. Police said he underwent surgery and is expected to be OK.
Police said an investigation showed that the victim was out for a walk when he was struck from behind and then dragged down a narrow side street near St. Mary's Parish. Authorities said the vehicle was going the wrong way down the street.
After Bozzo was struck, the vehicle fled the scene headed south on Berwick Street.
Police said the vehicle will have front-end damage, likely on the passenger's side. Authorities have alerted auto repair shops and asking the public to be on the lookout.
"This is a particularly heinous hit-and-run that left a resident with traumatic injuries that are life-threatening," said Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle. "The person who did this knows what they did. I encourage the driver to come forward, and anyone who might have seen or heard something between 5:30-5:45 this morning is urgently asked to call the Melrose Police Department."
Anyone with information can call Melrose Police at 781-665-1212.
