Tiverton Police looking for suspect after man in critical condition run over and dragged after road rage incident

TIVERTON — Chief Patrick Jones reports that the Tiverton Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian and is seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle believed to be involved.

On Sunday, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Tiverton Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of 501 Bulgarmarsh Road for a report of a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle.

Upon arrival officers found a 32-year-old man who was unresponsive on the side of the roadway.

Through the subsequent investigation, officers learned that the victim was travelling east on Bulgarmarsh Road in a Volkswagen sedan. Bystanders reported that the victim was being followed by a black or dark-colored SUV, and that the operators of the two vehicles appeared to be involved in a road rage-type incident.

Just before the intersection of Bulgarmarsh and Fish Roads, the victim reportedly stopped and exited his vehicle. The SUV also reportedly stopped, backed up, and then accelerated forward striking the victim. The victim was dragged by the vehicle for approximately 50 feet before being run over. The SUV continued east on Bulgarmarsh Road at a high rate of speed.

The victim was transported by Tiverton Rescue to an area hospital and is in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle is a dark-colored Acura MDX. Surveillance footage of the vehicle captured near the scene can be viewed here. The vehicle in question enters from the left side of the screen. Community members should note that the time depicted on the screen is off by one hour.

Anyone who may have information on this incident or the vehicle or driver involved is asked to contact the Tiverton Police Department at 401-625-6717.

The incident is being investigated by Det. Sgt. Joshua Pelletier, jpelletier@tivertonpoliceri.com, and Officer Michael Topazio, mtopazio@tivertonpoliceri.com.