Tilton, N.H : 19-year-old Belmont man injured in Hit-and-run crash on Laconia Road on Saturday night, February 14, 2015

Police are searching for a driver who struck a Belmont man while walking on Laconia Road on Saturday night, but as of Monday evening authorities still did not have information about the vehicle who hit him.

Tilton Police received a call at 6:50 p.m. on Saturday during the most recent snowstorm, where 19-year-old Jeffrey Lorette of Belmont was reportedly hit by a vehicle. According to a statement by police, Lorette was walking westbound on Laconia Road in the area of the Anchorage Resort. He was reportedly walking with the direction of traffic in the westbound lane and was struck by a vehicle, but everything happened so fast that Lorette never saw what hit him.

The suspect did not stop to check on the victim. Lorette reportedly made his way to a nearby home and made contact with the homeowners to call for help. Tilton/Northfield fire personnel treated him and brought Lorette to Lakes Region General Hospital. Injuries were considered nonlife-threatening and Chief Bob Cormier said he may have a broken left arm.

Cormier said the injury was thought to have been caused by the vehicle’s passenger side mirror, as there were pieces of it left in the roadway. due to the snow, he said, there were not many people on the road, and there were no witnesses who came forward. He said he is hoping people see the news reports of the accidents and witnesses will contact police. They are also reviewing video from nearby businesses to try to identify a vehicle.

The several feet of snow that has fallen in the region has caused snowbanks to be massive and roadways to be thinner. There was no sidewalk in the area. During the non-winter months there is a breakdown lane and shoulder.

Cormier said Lorette was lucky that his injuries were not more severe.

“We just want to remind people that if you are walking out there with all these high snow banks to wear bright colors and maybe get one of those LED lights that go on bikes,” said Cormier. “Also, walk facing traffic so you can see cars coming at you. It might give the chance to duck out of the way.”

Cormier also said drivers should be aware of their surroundings and drive cautiously. The crime is considered a hit-and-run with bodily injury and is a felony, Cormier said.

Witnesses of the hit-and-run or residents with information to assist in the investigation are asked to call Tilton Police at 286-4442.

Source :
Tilton police search for driver involved in hit-and-run