Stoneham Police Seeking Hit and Run Suspect

Photo captions: A photo of the accident. In the second photo, Stoneham Police are seeking a vehicle similar to this -- a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee. Photo credit: Stoneham Police Department.

From the Stoneham Police Department:

Police Chief James McIntyre reports that the Stoneham Police Department is seeking a hit and run suspect who injured a pedestrian on Dec. 20.

Stoneham Police and Fire responded at 11:21 p.m. to the area of 276 Main St. in Stoneham for a report of a pedestrian struck. The victim, a 61-year-old Stoneham man, was found by first responders laying in the street with a group of bystanders around him.

The victim told police that he was walking to his car when he was struck by a dark colored SUV. The impact of the crash was so great that it knocked the passenger side-view mirror off of the vehicle. The mirror was maroon in color, and investigators were able to trace it back to an older model (1998-2006) Jeep Grand Cherokee, which would also be maroon in color. Pieces of plastic and an antenna were also found scattered around the area.

“We are asking anyone who may have been in the area, or who may have recently seen a damaged Jeep Grand Cherokee to please come forward,” Chief McIntyre said. “We also want to alert auto body shops. The driver of this vehicle ran down a Stoneham resident and fled the scene. If this person comes to your shop asking for a quick fix, call the police.”

The victim was treated at Melrose Wakefield Hospital for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The victim is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the driver.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses as well, to see if it produces leads. The investigation is active and ongoing.

If anyone has information on this case, they are urged to call Stoneham Police at 781-438-1215. All callers may remain anonymous.