Hit-and-run on Gibbs Avenue; man airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital

Apr 14, 2014

A 70-year-old Wareham man was airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital after being struck by what police described as a "pickup truck-type vehicle" at about 4:50 Saturday morning.

Robert Mackenzie was delivering The Standard Times near 64 Gibbs Avenue when he was hit by the vehicle, which police said fled the scene toward Marion Road (Route 6) at a high rate of speed. They said that debris located at the scene suggested the vehicle was a Ford Ranger.

Mackenzie was treated at the scene by Wareham EMS and taken to Tobey Hospital before being airlifted to Rhode Island.

A Rhode Island Hospital representative said Mackenzie was currently in "fair condition" as of Tuesday morning.  Mackenzie underwent plastic surgery for an injury to his face, as well as suffering a broken pelvis, shoulder, and hip, and fractures in his back.

According to The Standard Times, Mackenzie’s children said the driver initially stopped after hitting Mackenzie and told him he would get help and return, although he never came back. Authorities were notified by the driver of another vehicle who was passing by.

"We're working on the investigation," said interim Police Chief Kevin Walsh.  "We're looking into it."

Police (508) 295-1206 are looking for any information regarding the incident.