Victim identified in Attleboro hit and run; police searching for driver responsible

Attleboro, Mass (WLNE) – Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding a vehicle that is believed to be involved in Monday night’s fatal hit-and-run near exit 1 on Route 95 in Attleboro.

Massachusetts State Police say they responded to multiple 911 calls Monday night around 9:40 p.m. regarding a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Route 95 near Exit 1.

When police arrived on the scene they located the victim who is now being identified as John Gauthier, 50, in one of the travel lanes of the highway.

Gauthier who was homeless was pronounced dead while in an ambulance just before 10 p.m..

After investigating the incident police believe that a woman who was driving a White Cadillac Escalade struck Gauthier while he was attempting to cross the highway.

Police say the driver of the Escalade is believed to have stopped on the left side of the highway, briefly exited her vehicle and then drove off.  The driver was described as being about five feet, four inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds.

The white Escalade should have some front end damage and at least one broken headlight, police say.

Police believe the vehicle may have exited Route 95 into Pawtucket around 10 p.m. Monday night. 

If anyone was in the area of the incident or has knowledge about this case or has seen a damaged white Cadillac Escalade, they are urged to contact State Police Detectives at  508-993-2016.

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