$500 reward offered in search of Coventry hit-and-run suspect

COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) — The Coventry Police Department is upping the ante in its search for the driver who struck and injured two firefighters late last month.

Investigators are now offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who failed to stop.

The two firefighters were responding to a medical emergency at a home near Victory Highway and were getting out of their truck when an oncoming minivan crashed into the vehicle’s open door, according to Coventry Fire Capt. Robert Mann.

Mann said a firefighter was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to recover. The other firefighter was transported to Kent Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and has since been released.

The driver continued on his way and officers are actively searching for the suspect’s vehicle, believed to be a Chrysler minivan with a damaged passenger side mirror.

Anyone with information is asked to call the case detective at (401) 822-9194 or email the tips line at [email protected]. Tips can be submitted anonymously.