Acton 13-Year-Old Critically Injured In Hit-And-Run Returns Home

ACTON, MA — Seven weeks after enduring a hit-and-run that left him critically injured, an Acton 13-year-old is heading home in time for the holidays, police said Wednesday.

On the evening of November 2, Junior Soto, a 7th grader at RJ Grey Junior High School, was struck while walking in a crosswalk on Great Road near Harris Street, according to Acton police.

After extensive rehabilitation, the teen returned home Wednesday morning with Acton Police and the Massachusetts State Police as his escorts.

Soto was taken from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown to his home, where the Acton Fire Department greeted him on arrival, authorities said.

NECN reported that the teen told reporters outside the hospital "I'm good" as he prepared to begin his trip home. The outlet added that Soto is still in a wheelchair while recovering from a broken leg and other broken bones, and he has double vision in one eye.

Authorities identified the suspected hit-and-run driver as an 85-year-old Maynard woman, whose name will not be released unless criminal charges are issued by Concord District Court, according to Chief Richard Burrows of the Acton Police Department.

According to a GoFundMe campaign organized for the teen and his family, Soto's "friends and classmates describe him as kind, athletic, friendly, fun to hang out with, and the kid who has a smile for everyone."

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.