A Wareham man has been charged in connection with an April 12 hit-and-run that left a 70-year-old Wareham man hospitalized with serious injuries, according to police.

Wareham Police said at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 officers executed a search warrant at 11 Luna Avenue in Swifts Beach and saw a green Ford Ranger pick-up truck parked on the premises that showed damage consistent with the previous incident involving Wareham resident Robert Mackenzie on Gibbs Avenue.

According to police, the owner of the vehicle, 37-year-old Eric Thompson, was questioned about the incident and admitted he was the driver of the truck that struck Mackenzie. Thompson told detectives he was aware he struck a person crossing the roadway and stopped to check on the victim, but then “panicked” and left the scene.

On Saturday, April 12, at 4:50 a.m., Wareham Police responded to the area of 64 Gibbs Avenue regarding a suspected hit-and-run. At the scene, officers found Mackenzie, who sustained serious injuries while delivering newspapers in the area.

Mackenzie was treated at the scene by Wareham EMS personnel and transported first to Tobey Hospital, then airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.

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.

As of Thursday afternoon, Mr. Mackenzie had been updated from fair condition to good according to a representative of Rhode Island Hospital.

Thompson has been charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash after causing personal injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding.