Suspect Identified in Fatal Westport Hit-and-Run, Tips Sought

WESTPORT — A suspect has been identified in a fatal hit-and-run in Westport earlier this month.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office says arrest warrants have been issued for Gerardo Lugo, 54, of Fall River after police received an anonymous tip and found the suspect's vehicle, a grey BMW, in Fall River last week.

Police say the BMW is the vehicle that struck and severely injured Stephanie Tripp, 30, of Fall River as she was walking along Old Bedford Road in Westport on May 7. Tripp died of her injuries a little over a week later.

Police searched Lugo's Cherry Street apartment last week, finding keys to the BMW and a plastic bag containing about 200 grams of suspected heroin.

Lugo will be charged with leaving the scene - death resulting, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license, and trafficking heroin in excess of 100 grams.

Anyone with information on Lugo's whereabouts is urged to call Massachusetts State Police Trooper Phil Giardino at 508-961-1928 or Westport Police detectives at 508-636-1122. Residents can also anonymously text a tip to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office by utilizing their anonymous text a tip program. To anonymously text a tip, text the word “Bristol” to the phone number CRIMES (274637) followed by the tip.