Essex County

Woman seriously injured, driver charged in pedestrian hit-and-run crash in Beverly

BEVERLY, Mass. — A driver is facing charges after allegedly striking and seriously injuring a woman with his car in Beverly on Sunday night.

Officers responding to the area of 375 Rantoul Street for a report of a pedestrian crash around 10:15 p.m. found that a woman had been struck and the offending vehicle was no longer on scene, according to Beverly Police.

The victim was transported to Beverly Hospital and later flown via medical helicopter to a Boston hospital. Her injuries are considered to be serious.

A preliminary investigation shows the victim walked into the street and was first struck by a car traveling southbound, according to officials. That car remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Police say a second vehicle, driven by 47-year-old Diego Mattos-Vazuldo of Essex, heading northbound hit the victim and fled the area.

A description of Mattos-Vazuldo’s vehicle was immediately provided by witnesses and the road was shut down while crews investigated. A short time later, Essex Police told Beverly authorities they had stopped a car in their town matching that description, according to officials. Mattos-Vazuldo of Essex allegedly told Essex officers he may have struck someone with his car.

He was immediately taken into custody without incident and is expected to be arraigned in Salem District Court on Monday.

The investigation remains ongoing by Beverly Police and Massachusetts State Police Accident Recon.

Rantoul Street was reopened around 2 a.m. on Monday morning.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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