AUBURN — If a witness to an accident on the Londonderry Turnpike July 22 had not recognized the car that crossed into oncoming traffic and causing a motorcyclist to take evasive action that left him seriously hurt — but alive — the case would never have been solved.

According to Auburn Detective Sgt. Charles Chabot, Ronald Lombardi, 46, of Manchester was operating a friend’s small black sedan when the car crossed the center line into the path of Timothy Laplante’s motorcycle on the Route 28 bypass.

“He (Lombardi) was in the wrong lane and caused (Laplante) to lose control and take evasive action to avoid the car,” Chabot said. “He took evasive action, braking, and the bike — a large, heavy Harley-Davidson with saddle bags, rolled over and on top of him. He suffered some serious injuries.”

“A witness somewhat described the car that took off. The guy behind the car, who was an acquaintance of the driver, gave us additional information,” said Chabot.

Information like that is a “string on a sweater once you pull it,” Chabot said. “The rest just fell into place.”

Chabot called the vehicle’s owner based upon the information, who informed Lombardi of the developments and had his attorney called Auburn police.

“His attorney called to find out if he was basically in trouble or not and was informed about the warrant for his arrest,” Chabot said. “He (Lombardi) turned himself in to us on Friday, Aug. 3.”

Lombardi refused to answer any questions from police, according to Chabot. “That’s his right and he chose to do so.”

“Frankly, we probably never would have found the guy,” Chabot said if the public had not stepped forward to provide information that led to his arrest on hit-and-run charges. “It’s nice that we were able to find the guy for the motorcyclist who had serious injuries.”

gmiles@unionleader.com