Family pleads for driver to turn self in after hitting grandmother in Stoneham

A grandmother was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash this weekend, according to police in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

The woman was hit Saturday evening near the intersection of Spring Street and Pleasant Street. Officers responded around 8:45 p.m. to find the woman on the sidewalk, suffering from serious injuries.

Police say the woman was in a crosswalk when she was hit. Her granddaughter and the dog they were walking were not injured.

Family members say the crash left 69-year-old Louise Ward in the hospital, fighting for her life.

Family photo

"My mom lost consciousness, she doesn't really remember the accident, but my niece certainly does," said Erin Dirks.

The girl, 7-year-old Riley Ward, remembers the moment all too well.

"We were just walking, and good thing I didn't get hit, but my Nana did," she said.

Seconds before impact, Riley's grandmother spotted the speeding vehicle and jumped into action.

"She pushed me so I could get back to where the cars couldn't hit me, back on the path," she said.

The child desperately called for help.

"I was just raising my hand and screamed, and people pulled over and helped me," she said.

Ward's daughter says she has a long road to recovery.

"It's going to be months of recovery, she has hip fractures, pelvis fractures, wrist fractures, arm fracture, neck fracture, vertebrae fracture, brain bleed, liver lacerations," Dirks said. "She's got a long way to go."

"The victim of this crash performed a heroic act by making sure her granddaughter was out of the way and safe," Stoneham Police Chief James O'Connor said in a statement. "We are committed to finding justice for the victim and her family, and we ask that the community assists us if they can."

Police shared surveillance footage of the crash on Monday, noting it may be distressing to viewers. They are searching for a small grey or silver SUV.

Dirks shared a message for the driver.

"Maybe you were just scared and you took off, right, you were driving down the street and you hear this big thud, you fly out of here," Dirks said. "But you now have the opportunity to do the right thing. There's no way the person that was operating that vehicle doesn't know it was a person they hit."

Anyone with information is asked to call 781-438-1215 Ext. 3133.