Driver in Chelsea who took off and hit man in Chelsea will not face charges

CHELSEA, Mass. — A driver previously accused of a hit and run in Chelsea will not be facing any charges, police said.

Wanted for hit & run personal injury... Ford Pickup truck, possibly right rear break light not working and possible hood damage. Fled into East Boston. pic.twitter.com/sSdxMnSdpi
— Chelsea Police (@CityofChelseaPD) January 22, 2020

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes says a 28-year-old man was struck while walking along a crosswalk between Broadway and Everett Avenue at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Male Pedestrian (28) was struck while walking in the crosswalk at Broadway & Everett at 4pm. The V was transported to MGH for what appear to be non-life threatening injuries. The Vehicle that struck the V & fled the scene is described as a newer model Ford 150 Pickup Truck ...
— Chief Brian Kyes (@ChiefKyes) January 22, 2020

Surveillance footage showed a newer model Black Ford F-150 pick-up truck hitting the man before coming to a complete stop. The car remains stopped until the victim moves while on the ground, and then flees in the direction of East Boston.

At around 6:30 p.m., Chelsea Police tweeted an update saying the driver had come forward and turned themselves in.

Cancel Wanted. Owner of vehicle and operator came forward.
— Chelsea Police (@CityofChelseaPD) January 22, 2020

The Vehicle fled down Cross Street towards Park Square. City Cameras are currently being reviewed in an attempt to identify the vehicle and the operator. Vehicle description has been put out to surrounding cities. > Black Ford F-150 Pickup Truck - newer model.
— Chief Brian Kyes (@ChiefKyes) January 22, 2020

When he turned himself in, the driver told police he saw a gun fall from the victim’s pocket, and, fearing he might have hit someone dangerous, he fled the scene.

The driver’s hesitation seen in the video was his reaction to checking on the victim but quickly seeing the gun and driving away. Police say the man had a license to carry.

#BREAKING @CityofChelseaPD tell #Boston25 the driver who hit someone in a crosswalk today drove off because they saw the victim drop A GUN!

He was let go and will only be given a citation.

Victim had a license to carry. pic.twitter.com/mLDnpiuBeX
— Matthew Touchette (@matt_touchette) January 23, 2020

Chelsea Police said the driver has been cited, but after explaining the circumstances, he will not be facing any charges. The driver will receive a court date, where the citation will be the mitigating factors of why he fled the scene. The chief says he believes the case will likely be dismissed.

The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

UPDATE: The driver of that vehicle has come forward, Chelsea Police said. VIDEO: Chelsea Police are searching for this driver who hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk this afternoon at Broadway and Everett Ave before taking off. Police are searching for a newer model black Ford F-150 truck. https://boston25.com/36oJQql
Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, January 22, 2020

This is a developing story. Stay with Boston 25 News for the latest details as soon as they become available.