Hopkinton, Massachusetts, police are asking for the public’s help to solve a mystery after a bizarre dashcam clip went viral on Reddit and TikTok in early June. The footage, filmed late at night, captures a driver suddenly swerving to avoid an individual standing directly in the middle of a dark roadway.
According to the original Reddit thread, the driver encountered the figure around 11:30 p.m. along Route 85, claiming the individual was also carrying a shovel and wearing a “Halloween mask.” However, local authorities and the Hopkinton Independent have since clarified that the supposed mask was likely just a hard hat or helmet under poor lighting.
No active roadwork or utility construction was reported in the area at the time, leading police to officially classify the individual as “suspicious.” The footage seems to show what appears to be a construction worker holding up their hand as the car swerves around them. It appears as if they are attempting to flag down the driver.
Hopkinton police are asking for help
The Hopkinton Police Department reposted the clip to Facebook in an effort to crowd-source information. Officials admit they cannot yet verify if the video is authentic, let alone when it was actually recorded.
Since the stretch of highway in question runs through multiple jurisdictions, a police spokesperson told CBS News Boston that the encounter could have occurred in neighboring Milford or Southborough. According to The MetroWest Daily News, the original poster noted in a Reddit comment that it happened “on the road to Legacy Farms between Route 85 and Wilson Street.”
The MetroWest Daily News also reports that the department’s immediate priority is tracking down the source. Detectives are currently trying to contact the original Reddit user who uploaded the dashcam file.
Though it’s unclear whether the stunt was a genuine hazard or a staged internet prank, reports say police are taking the safety risks seriously. Stepping into high-speed traffic at night puts both pedestrians and drivers in immediate danger, regardless of the motivation behind it. The original Reddit post noted in part, “that’s super dangerous and could’ve caused a serious crash.”
As of Friday, June 5, the individual in the vest has not been identified, and no formal charges have been filed. Anyone who recognizes the person in the video, witnessed strange activity along Route 85, or has any information that could assist the ongoing investigation is urged to call the Hopkinton Police Department directly at 508-497-3401.
