NORWOOD – A local resident is turning to the community for answers after a brazen hit-and-run left her vehicle “destroyed” in a busy shopping plaza this past Thursday.
The incident occurred on March 5th at the 418 Walpole Street parking lot, home to Big Y and Planet Fitness. The victim reported that she parked her car at approximately 1:40 PM to head into the gym. When she returned less than two hours later, at 3:30 PM, she discovered significant damage to her front left fender.
The perpetrator left the scene without leaving a note or any contact information.
Based on the victim’s initial assessment of the scene, there are several key details that may help identify the fleeing vehicle including black paint transfer was found on the victim’s car, suggesting the suspect was driving a black or dark-colored vehicle.
“I came out… and saw my now destroyed front left end,” the resident shared in a community appeal. “No small car could leave that much damage unless the person was traveling at a fast speed.”
The Norwood community has already begun rallying around the victim, with fellow shoppers providing crucial leads. One local resident reported seeing a “young gentleman” enter Big Y shortly after the incident to report what he had seen to three employees.
“I was in there yesterday and heard and seen a young gentleman come in and talk to 3 workers there about seeing it happen,” the witness shared. “They just weren’t able to catch the person’s license plate unfortunately.”
Following the public plea, the Norwood Police Department told the victim they have followed up on these leads. While a witness has officially spoken with officers, the victim is facing some bureaucratic hurdles.
“The police followed up with me… and told me about said witness,” she updated. “Unfortunately, due to confidentiality stuff, the police said when I pick up the finished police report, the witness information will be redacted.”
While it’s reported the witness was unable to secure a license plate number, hope now rests on technology. The victim and community members are urging Big Y management to review their exterior surveillance cameras, which may have captured the dark-colored vehicle entering or exiting the 418 Walpole Street lot during the time of the crash.
“I hope Big Y can be a help to you,” one neighbor noted, echoing the sentiments of many residents frustrated by the lack of accountability from the hit-and-run driver.
If you were at the Big Y/Planet Fitness plaza on Thursday afternoon and saw a dark-colored SUV or truck maneuvering near a parked car, or if you have dashcam footage from that timeframe, your information could be vital.
Have you seen a damaged vehicle? Keep an eye out for a large black vehicle with fresh damage to its body—likely on the rear or side panels—consistent with a parking lot collision.
The victim is asking anyone with information to reach out via social media so a formal report can be finalized with the Norwood Police Department. “We want to make sure he/she does not do this to someone else,” she stated. -RD
