A hit-and-run tragedy in Dighton, Massachusetts left one man dead Thursday night, and authorities are now on the hunt for a Toyota driver connected to the fatal incident. Victim Paul DeMoura, 57, was found lifeless in the breakdown lane on Route 44 around 10 p.m. by an off-duty Taunton Police officer, according to reports from WHDH. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they try to piece together the circumstances of this deadly crash.
The Dighton Police Department received the grim discovery report from the off-duty officer who initially "observed an object in the breakdown lane and then realized it was a man," as stated in WCVB. Emergency services rushed DeMoura to Morton Hospital in nearby Taunton, but he could not be saved. Preliminary investigations suggest DeMoura was walking along the shoulder of the westbound lane when he was struck.
Residents of Dighton and communities beyond mourn the abrupt and senseless loss, while police continue to collect evidence that could lead to apprehending the unknown driver. According to Dighton police Chief George Nichols in a statement obtained by WCVB, the crash's aftermath pointed investigators towards seeking a Toyota vehicle, but the exact model and year remain vague.
Law enforcement officials are grappling to understand and quickly to resolve this case, appealing to the public for any information. "Anyone with information is asked to call Dighton Police at 508-669-6711," as echoed across reports, including NBC Boston. The community is beset with questions and concerns as they grapple with the hit-and-run as a reminder of the fragilities that line their everyday roads.
