WESTPORT — Local police are searching for a suspect involved in a hit and run that nearly killed a woman in Westport.

Westport Police received a 911 call at around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday reporting a motor vehicle that had struck and severely injured a woman in the area of 288 Old Bedford Road.

First responders arrived at the scene and found the victim, Stephanie Tripp, 30, of Fall River, lying face down in the breakdown lane suffering from serious injuries. Tripp was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Investigators say Tripp was walking along the roadway when she was struck by what witnesses say was a sedan-style vehicle. The male driver of the vehicle exited the car and reportedly told a witness that he was sorry and did not intend to strike the victim. The driver returned to his vehicle and sped off, even though the witness had instructed him to remain at the scene. The witness tended to the victim as the driver was last seen heading east on Old Bedford Road.

Another witness to the crash tried to follow the suspect's vehicle, which was travelling at high rates of speed and swerving into the opposite travel lane in order to pass other vehicles. The witness lost sight of the suspect's vehicle in the area of Faunce Corner Road and Old Fall River Road at around 8:30 p.m.

Police say the suspect's vehicle may have suffered minor front end damage.

Though police interviewed several witnesses at the scene of the crash, other people may have seen the incident, the suspect's vehicle, or may have information about the driver's identity.

Anyone with information relating to the crash is urged to call Massachusetts State Police Trooper Phil Giardino at 508-961-1928 or Westport Police at 508-636-1122. Anonymous tips can also be sent by texting the word "Bristol" followed by the information to CRIMES (274637) or by clicking here.

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