Anonymous tip leads to arrest of Rockland hit-and-run suspect

ROCKLAND, Mass. — Rockland Police have made an arrest in hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a pedestrian, Lieutenant Nicholas Zeoli told Boston 25 News.

An officer came across the victim lying in the middle of the road near Market and Howard Streets around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The 43-year-old man was flown to a Boston hospital and is expected to survive.

Zeoli said police received an anonymous tip that a truck possibly involved in the crash had been towed from a nearby apartment complex to a body shop in Brockton. Investigators went to the body shop and located the truck which had significant damage to the front that was consistent with hitting a person.

Police seized truck for evidence and processed it for evidence.

“Based on the forensic evidence obtained during the investigation as well as other evidence gathered, a determination was made that the truck was the one involved in striking the male victim on that night,” Zeoli said.

Zeoli said police identified the owner of the truck as Gregory Princeton, 54, of Rockland. Princeton first told police a friend of his was driving the truck and hit a deer. After further questioning by investigators, Princeton admitted he was one who hit the man. He told police he “freaked out” after the crash and fled the scene.

Police arrested Princeton and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash after causing personal injury; operating on a revoked license; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; soliciting a crime for-wit, committing insurance fraud; soliciting a crime for-wit, intimidation of a witness, misleading; insurance claim, false motor vehicle; false claim to a government agency; intimidation of a witness; conspiracy for-wit, insurance fraud; and conspiracy for-wit, intimidation misleading witness.

Princeton will be arraigned in Hingham District Court.

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