Police Seize Vehicle in New Bedford Hit-and-Run Death

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police announced today that the department has made “significant progress” in the hit-and-run death of Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, having “identified, located, and seized” the vehicle involved.

Colaj was struck and killed just after midnight on New Year’s Day as she crossed Acushnet Avenue after leaving a New Year’s Eve church gathering at the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana Church.

The suspect vehicle then fled the scene.

READ MORE: New Bedford Woman Struck, Killed Leaving Church on NYE

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"Critical Breakthrough" Made

Police said on Friday that a “critical breakthrough” was made Thursday afternoon, in a collaborative effort with Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, leading to the suspect vehicle being seized.

No details about the vehicle were provided by police, nor did they name a suspect driver. They also did not give any details on how this breakthrough was made.

“We are continuing to piece together the events that took place during this terrible tragedy and anticipate that justice will be served swiftly,” police said in a release.

What Police Are Saying

New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said the department’s thoughts are with Colaj’s family.

“This was a promising life cut short unnecessarily. I want to commend the work of our detectives and highlight the effectiveness of collaboration with the State Police and District Attorney’s Office personnel thus far," Chief Jason Thody said. "Their expeditious work to bring justice to Nicolassa and her family exemplifies the compassion and dedication of all agencies involved.”