crash_reports: 2100000333

Bicyclist Michael Foley stated that on 05/11/2021 at approximately 22:00 hours he was riding his Blanch mountain bike west bound near 2401 Commonwealth Ave when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Commonwealth Ave is a public way in the City of Newton. Foley stated that he was thrown from his bike and onto the roadway. It should be noted that the section of Commonwealth Ave were the crash occurred is not lit. At the time of the crash Foley was wearing dark non reflective clothing. Foley was not wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment at the time of the crash. Foley stated that he did not see what type of vehicle struck him from behind and could not offer any other description. Foley was discovered laying in the roadway by a Good Samaritan at 22:08 hours. Upon inspection of Foley's bike I observed that the rear tire and rear fender was bent inward to the left side. I further observed that Foley's bike had no reflective materials affixed to it. Foley stated he did not lose consciousness as a result of the crash. Foley was transported via EMS to the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston for treatment. I respond to the Beth Israel Hospital and Foley again reiterated what he had stated at the crash site, about not having any description of the vehicle that struck him. The staff I spoke with at the hospital stated that Foley had a possible broken shoulder and/or collarbone and abrasions to his hands and legs. Foley's bike and a bag of his possessions were secured at Support Services at the station and Ofc Fay filled out a property form. During a canvass of the crash site no physical evidence from a vehicle was observed. I also observed no skid marks on the roadway. There were no cameras in the area. Due to the lack of physical evidence ,and no witness to this crash I believe that the operator of the vehicle that struck Foley may not of even been aware that a crash occurred. It should be noted that over the past 18 years I have had numerous interactions with Foley, and I know that he is homeless and has resisted any aid from social service agencies. Foley is know to camp in the Town of Weston in woods adjacent to the Massachusetts Turnpike. From pass reports Foley has used Harris Cycles at 1351 Washington St Newton, and the law firm of Jason and Fisher at 47 Winter St Boston as contact locations.