Pedestrian struck on Dorchester Avenue is expected to survive, police say

(Updated—Aug. 7)— A motorist struck a pedestrian on Dorchester Avenue on Friday night (Aug. 3) near Ashmont station and then fled from the scene, leaving the victim— described as an older Asian man — with serious, but non-life threatening injuries, according to Transit Police. Two Transit Police officers who were on duty at Ashmont station witnessed the hit-and-run, jumped on their motorcycles, and chased the white sedan that hit the pedestrian and ultimately caught him — and recovered an illegal firearm— after a car and foot chase that ended near Adams Corner.

The wild scene unfolded around 9:20 p.m. and left sections of Dorchester Avenue and Adams Street blocked off as the rescues and investigations continued.

The offending motorist hit two cars as he tried to flee up Ashmont Street to Adams in the direction of Adams Corner. The car pursuit ended when the suspect rammed into a vehicle at the corner of Beaumont Street, pushing the second car into a fence and injuring the other motorist who was briefly trapped in his vehicle.

Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said that the suspect— later identified as 31 year-old Charles B. Hester of Dorchester— tried to run from the scene of the Beaumont-Adams Street collision, but was caught after a brief foot chase. Transit Police also recovered a firearm that they say the suspect discarded as he ran.

Hester was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but did not sustain any serious injuries. He was arraigned on Monday in Dorchester District Court for leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, driving under the influence, and illegal gun possession. He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail and is due back in court on Sept. 11.

The first victim— the pedestrian on Dorchester Avenue— was originally thought to be in perilous condition. Early reports suggested that Boston Police— who responded to that scene in front of Ashmont Liquors— might treat the situation as a potential homicide. However, Supt. Sullivan said Saturday morning that the hit-and-run victim is expected to survive.

Sullivan also emphasized that the Transit Police at Ashmont were not in pursuit of the suspect vehicle when the pedestrian was struck on Dorchester Avenue. They saw the car strike the man and then gave pursuit.