Jul 17, 2008 2:50 pm US/Eastern
Reverse 911 Used In Search For Hit & Run Driver
SOMERVILLE (WBZ) ―
Somerville Police hope a recorded phone message will lead them to the driver wanted for a hit-and-run that left a little girl with a fractured skull.
9-year-old Natalie McPherson was hit Saturday morning just after 7 a.m. on Highland Avenue near Benton Road. A witness said the driver sped off toward the high school in a late model blue BMW. The car should have damage to the passenger side headlight and mirror and a small piece missing from the passenger side molding.
Investigators don't have a license plate number so they're turning to the public for help.
They sent out recorded messages to 24,600 phones in the area Tuesday hoping to generate some leads.
Captain Paul Upton told WBZ's Bill Shields 16,000 people listened to the message, which has created dozens of tips. The advanced reverse 911 system is typically used for road closures and snow emergencies, but Upton said they're now using it to help solve crimes as well.
McPherson is out of the hospital. She told WBZ she does not remember the accident. Her injuries have forced her to miss summer camp.
Anyone with information is asked to call Somerville Police at 617-625-1212.
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