An early Saturday morning hit and run on Route 18 has left one man dead, while State and New Bedford Police continue to search for the driver. 

The unidentified male victim was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital and later transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died around 1:30 PM, according to a press release from Bristol County DA's Office spokesman Gregg Miliote.

At approximately 2:10 AM, a royal blue colored SUV with multiple occupants inside struck a pedestrian in the roadway of Route 18 North near the Route 195 on-ramps.

The vehicle fled the scene of the crash taking the on-ramp and entering Route 195 west.

Police believe the vehicle could be a BMW X5 or similarly shaped SUV with front end damage and possibly a leaking radiator.

Authorities are requesting the help of the public in identifying the vehicle and its driver.

The investigation remains extremely active and anyone with information is asked to contact Tpr. Cadorette at State Police Dartmouth barracks (508) 993-8373, Tpr. Laliberte at State Police Detective Unit - Bristol (508) 993-2016 or the New Bedford Police Department at 508-991-6300.

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