NEWBURYPORT — A cyclist was transported to an area hospital about 5 p.m. Tuesday, only minutes after being struck by a vehicle on High Street.
The motorist, according to police, fled the crash scene – prompting a be-on-the-lookout alert to be issued to area police departments.
Newburyport police Sgt. Gregory Whitney said the motorist was driving a silver or gray Mini Cooper with New Hampshire plates.
High Street resident Paul Richardson was among the first to respond to the cyclist, who was conscious but in pain as he lay on his back at the intersection of High and Pond streets.
Richardson said the cyclist was heading toward the High and State Street intersection when the driver cut him off while taking a left from High onto Pond Street. The motorist then took off down Pond Street toward Route 1.
“It was hit-and-run,” Richardson said. “The guy got hit pretty good.”
Richardson, who said he can’t remember ever seeing a similar crash at the intersection, grabbed a blanket from his home and draped it over the cyclist. Others who stopped to help did their best to keep the injured cyclist as comfortable as possible until first responders arrived.
A good Samaritan pulled over into a driveway, got out and directed traffic to make sure other drivers did not get close to the injured cyclist.
High Street was closed in both directions from the State Street intersection past Park Street.
Police continue to investigate the accident.
Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: drogers@newburyportnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.