UPDATE: Bethel man arrested in hit-and-run investigation

BETHEL — The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a car that fled the scene after striking a boy riding a bike Friday afternoon on Church Street.

Deputy Andrew Whitney said Saturday afternoon that the juvenile was in critical condition. His name and age weren’t released.

The accident happened at 1:42 p.m. Friday.

“The bike came out from the side of the road, in front of the car,” Whitney said.

Police reconstruction teams are trying to determine whether the vehicle could have swerved in time to avoid the boy, but even if the driver could not, “obviously they’ve still hit and run and left the scene,” he said.

The youth, who was wearing a bike helmet, was airlifted to a hospital. Whitney declined to name which one.

Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to identify the car and driver. Whitney said they believe they’re looking for a tan or silver Kia Forte, model years 2009 to 2013, with damage to the front bumper, especially on the passenger side.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the Oxford County Sherriff’s Office at 743-9554.