Leominster police search for hit-and-driver who injured runner

LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Leominster police are investigating a hit-and-run that injured a runner.

Debra Tata was running on the side of Lindell Avenue, around noon on Aug. 10., when she says a Jeep hit her head-on, the mirror striking her right arm.

"It hit me, and I just I got knocked really hard, and I kind of like spun around, and I went down," Tata said. "I ended up sitting on the ground, and I was just stunned. And then I was trying to call somebody. I couldn't even figure out how to use my phone."

On the ground, Tata watched what she believes is a pewter or silver newer-model Jeep Cherokee slow down at first and then drive off.

"I was shocked," Tata said. "I couldn't believe that they didn't even stop to make sure I was okay."

Tata called 911, and was taken to the hospital. She suffered no broken bones or serious injuries, but some pulled muscles in her back and bruising to her arm, which was put in a sling.

Tata was hit right across the street from where her 8-year-old son was attending day camp. She and her family are thankful the accident wasn't worse.

"Almost like your life flashes before you, and you realize what you could've lost," Tata said. "I'm very fortunate, because I know for a lot of people, it doesn't turn out as fortunate as it did for me."

Tata returned to the scene and collected some shards of the mirror. She tells Boston 25 News police recovered a larger portion of it.

But two weeks later, police are still searching for the driver. Tata hopes the person responsible comes forward.

"I think if they're a decent human being, they have to be living with some sort of guilt," Tata said. "I understand accidents can happen, but it's not an accident when you drive away from the person you just hit and left in the road. That's just not right."

Anyone with information is asked to call Leominster police at 978-534-7560.

Cox Media Group