Driver Seeks Answers in Hit and Run Crash

With few leads available to the Reading Police Department, a motorcyclist injured in a hit and run is turning to the public in hopes of answers.

Linda Columbus said she was riding her motorcycle on Village Street towards Reading Square on her way to work in Woburn on Friday, Aug. 16, around 7:30 a.m. According to Columbus, a driver hit her with the front of their vehicle.

Though Columbus’ motorcycle remained in the upright position and never spilled onto the ground despite the impact, she suffered a compound fracture and crushed artery in her leg.

Following the collision, Columbus said she looked in her mirror and saw a tan car leaving the scene.

Police said they don’t have enough information currently on the incident, though they did locate a piece of a license plate frame at the scene and some red paint, possibly from a Massachusetts license plate, was left on the motorcycle.

“I don’t know what else to do but appeal to the public,” said Columbus. “Maybe someone knows something or maybe somebody saw something. Or maybe there’s someone who just didn’t realize the damage they caused.”

Columbus said she will likely be forced to rehabilitate for about eight weeks without working due to the crash.

She also added that following the incident, she isn’t sure if she’ll ever ride her motorcycle as a commuter again.

“I just want to know why the person didn’t stop,” said Columbus. “You hit a human and you didn’t stop. Why? What possible reason could you have? It’s not right that I should have to endure this and they just walk away.”