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by ERIN COOGAN, NBC 10 NEWS
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WJAR) — New Bedford police said Friday that a car was recovered in a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened early New Year's Day.
It's still unknown who was behind the wheel the night of the crash or where that person is now.
But the discovery marks a major breakthrough in this case that city leaders say they are confident will lead to justice being served.
"It's just really terrible," New Bedford resident Perry Marshall told NBC 10 News. "People should take responsibility when they're driving, especially when the roads are like this … You never know who's going to step off the curb."
Less than 48 hours after a woman was hit and killed while trying to cross Acushnet Avenue, and New Bedford city officials say they're one step closer to catching the driver.
"The police department has been all over it," New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. "They've reviewed camera footage, spoke to witnesses, and have actually been able to seize the vehicle itself."
Police said it was just after midnight Mass on New Year's Day that 33-year-old Nicolassa Ventura Colaj was crossing the street with her family when she was hit by an SUV and thrown several feet in the air.
The driver took off.
Colaj was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
Residents noted the string of businesses lining Acushnet Avenue as possibly aiding the investigation.
"It's probably the most densely populated area in a densely populated city," Mitchell continued.
"I hope they find the person with the cameras," Marshall said. "They should be able to find something with the cameras."
Mitchell detailed the collaborative investigation between local and state police, as well as the critical use of cameras to break open the case.
"It's a pretty standard practice nowadays, in the event of a major incident, to review cameras, including Ring cameras. So that's work that's done quickly … and that's been done here. The police department has been all over that and talking to witnesses. So, I'm confident that they're going to have their person in short order."
Meanwhile, as the search for a driver continues, friends and family of Colaj are forced to mourn her tragic passing.
In a GoFundMe campaign, loved ones say she'll be remembered as a dedicated mother of three, whose exemplary character shone through to everyone she met.
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