Police on St. Thomas are looking for a hit-and-run driver that seriously injured a 50-year-old woman and left parts of his vehicle strewn around the accident scene before fleeing.
The V.I. Police Department is asking the assistance of the community to locate the vehicle and driver.
The accident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. Friday on Nicholas Friday Drive. The injured woman was operating a motor scooter when a collision occurred with a white Honda, police said.
According to the Traffic Investigation Bureau, the victim was traveling south on Friday Drive near the entrance to Nadir Hill. A white Honda was traveling north when the operator apparently lost control and veered to the right, crossing over the solid yellow line and running into the motor scooter. Debris on the scene included the Honda’s right side mirror, pieces of the fender, the front bumper and wheel well.
The victim was taken from the scene by ambulance. Doctors said her injuries include a broken pelvis, right hip and leg.
Police are asking all residents to be on the lookout for a white Honda with damages to its right side, including the missing mirror and damaged bumper, fender and wheel well. All body shops and vehicle repair businesses are also asked to be on the lookout for a vehicle fitting this description.
Police caution people not to panic when they are involved in an accident involving injuries. In its news release, the department cautioned drivers not to leave the scene under any circumstances.
"Stay and explain your behavior," the news release from Public Information Officer Melody Rames said. "Criminal charges increase significantly as soon as you decide to leave the scene."
The news release also included a plea to the community.
"If you know something, say something. This accident victim could have been your mother, sister or daughter. If you are the one who was involved in this accident, please turn yourself in to the nearest police station. St. Thomas residents, please help police close this case by identifying the person who fled the scene of this accident."