NORWICH – The Norwich Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a hit and run collision that caused a car to careen off the road and crash into a local doctor’s office.

The accident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday when the driver, Anne Ward of Manley Road, Norwich, slowed her Ford Escort Wagon to make a right turn into the Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Office at 85 South Broad.

Just behind her and heading north on the road, an unidentified dark green or blue pick-up truck, possibly an SUV, rear-ended Ward’s vehicle, causing her to lose control and slide across the business’s lawn, smashing into the front porch and brick foundation.

“All I could think was ‘What just happened? What hit me?’” said Ward. “A man following behind me pulled over after the other car sped away and made sure I was OK. I never got his name, but thank you whoever you were.”

Police said witnesses saw the suspect’s vehicle heading north on South Broad St. (State Highway 12) and are asking anyone with information to call 334-1212. All calls will be kept confidential.

Officers at the scene said the damage to Ward’s car indicated that the force of the collision was significant and said the suspect driver most likely did not slow down before the crash. Police said traces of paint left behind on the victim’s car led them to believe the suspect’s vehicle was either dark green or blue, and must have visible damage to the front of the vehicle.

Tim Ward, Anne’s oldest son, arrived at the scene a short time later to make sure his mother was unhurt and took her to the Chenango Memorial Hospital for a precautionary check up. Anne said she was not hurt, but “just wanted to make sure.”