crash_reports: 2100000219

On Wednesday March 31, 2021 at approx 1430 hours Officer Panica responded to the area of Washington Street and Jackson Road for a report of a tractor trailer (car carrier) with New York registration that knocked over a traffic signal and kept traveling east on Jackson Road with out stopping. Officer Nardelli and I responded to the area as dispatch was giving updates of tractor trailer information and direction of travel. I traveled west on Watertown Street from Chapel Street and observed a car carrier traveling west approx four blocks west ahead of me. I activated my emergency lights and made a motor vehicle stop at Watertown Street at Nevada Street. I observed a trailer NY reg # BH32997 which dispatch confirmed this reg was the one involved in the crash. The name of the comapny is DIVERISIFIED AUTOMOTIVE INC of 6 RAMLAND ROAD ORANGEBURG N.Y. 10962 N.Y. apportioned tractor reg 17833PB / trailer NY reg BH32997, the driver was later identified as MA lic # SA0310636 Januel Ortiz d.o.b. 5-17-2001 of 111 Country Club BLVD apt. 201 Worcester MA 01605. Officer Panica confirmed the crash site location and damage to a City of Newton Traffic signal/footings/ sidewalk/retaining wall/landscape. Officer Panica was also approached by witness Erin McGinty of 233 Jackson Road(see statement below) I approached the car carrier on the passenger side and observed fresh damage on the trailer that would be consistent with striking the traffic signal. I then approached the driver of the car carrier Mr. Ortiz. I advised him of the crash and he stated he was traveling west on Washington Street and turned right (north) onto Jackson Road. He stated while turning his trailer struck the traffic signal knocking it over. I asked him why didn't he stop to assess damage or notify anyone. He stated he was looking for a safe place to pull over. He stated he continued north on Jackson Road then left onto Pearl Street and then left onto Watertown Street to drop off vehicles at the 445 Watertown Street,which is where I Pulled him over. I advised him I am familiar with the travel route he went and the length of Jackson Street is not a Heavily traveled area since the school is closed from the crash site, and he traveled approx a mile and a half until I pulled him over. I advised him I would be doing a level III inspection and advising him of my findings. Witness Ms. McGinty stated she heard the crash and observed the car carrier with NY reg # BH32997 have contact with the traffic signal and continue to travel north on Jackson Street without stopping. Therefore after observing damage/pictures and statements I issued in hand MA criminal citation # T2017488 in hand to Mr. Ortiz for Chapter 90 Section 24 LEAVING THE SCENE OF CRASH WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE City Ordinance 19-75 FAILURE TO USE CARE IN TURNING. Mr. Ortiz was explained the process. I took pictures of the damage to the car carrier, and crash site area that I will have downloaded at the I.T. Bureau.