At approximately 22:45 hours on Friday, January 20, Boston EMTs and Boston Police officers from both C-6 and D-4 responded to multiple 911 calls reporting that a pedestrian was struck by a car on the corner of Cass Boulevard and Mass Avenue. The struck pedestrian who was either in or with a wheelchair according to sources on the scene.
Police immediately responded and urgently began to locate the victim. He was quickly found on Hampden Street after sources informed Police that the car that hit him had dragged him to this location. It was also reported that the driver did not stop and immediately fled after hitting the victim.
Police on the scene called for a push on EMS, who swiftly arrived. Boston EMS EMTs and Paramedics began treating the victim’s injuries, which were incredibly severe and life-threatening. Tragically, even after rescuers attempts to save his life, the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene. He was later identified as a 73-year-old, but his name has not yet been released to the public.
The supervisor at this scene made full notifications because of the severe nature of the incident. D-4 Detectives were seen responding and assisting with marking evidence and speaking to witnesses. One witness, Terrance Rosario, recounts the horrid incident.
“It was unbelievable. He hit the guy and the guy went underneath the car. The guy was screaming.” Rosario is a resident near the area, and also mentions that this area in particular has a large homeless population. Before the crash, he had an interaction with the victim.
“It was 20 degrees last night, it was cold, it was really cold out,” Rosario told reporters. “I gave him a couple bucks to get something at McDonald’s, and I give him a coffee, and I tell him I’d see him later, take care and stay warm.” While giving his statement, Rosario appeared devastated and emotional from witnessing the tragedy first-hand.
As Detectives continued their investigation, Rosario informs them that the car had sustained significant damage to its front bumper. Later on, the District Attorney’s office stated that they had obtained surveillance footage of the car. The vehicle in question is described as a dark-colored SUV, but the direction it fled is unknown.
The scene after the crash was gruesome. The victim’s wheelchair lay bloodied on the ground alongside a winter hat and a cane, which were also presumably possessions of the victim. A large area of the street was taped off so Police could continue their investigation late into the night.
Rosario states that he wishes he could have helped the victim more to prevent this incident. “I’m sorry for his family because I know he had a family. The guy was a very nice guy.”
During the investigation, Police began trying to identify and locate the suspect. However, while there is a vehicle, there is not yet a suspect description and the Police were unable to make an arrest. The investigation is ongoing and those with information are urged to contact Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.
