crash_reports

The operator of Vehicle #1 stated that he stopped, prior to proceeding through the Stop Sign Southbound at Lewis St, and Newtonville Ave prior to colliding with the bicyclist. The bicyclist stated that he was travelling Westbound on Newtonville Ave prior to colliding with Vehicle #1. Vehicle #1 was cited for a violation of M.G.L. Ch.89/S.9-Stop Sign. It should be noted that the bicyclist was wearing a helmet, and a rear flasher, however wore no other bright, or reflective clothing. All parties declined medical attention. Pictures of the scene were taken by me, and placed in the IT box.

On Saturday, September 28, 2019, I responded to the intersection of Crafts Street and Albemarle Road, Newton with Sgt. Lee for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle with serious injury to it's operator. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Crafts Street and Albemarle Road are both public ways maintained by the City of Newton. I spoke with the operator of MV1, Jussara Pontes (S92930243). Pontes stated she was operating a 2017 Toyota Sienna (MA: 4GX777) at the time of the crash. Pontes stated she was traveling North on Albemarle Road and came to a stop at the stop sign located at the Crafts Street intersection. Pontes stated she looked both ways and began to inch out into the roadway. Pontes stated she stopped the vehicle again and was assisting a child sitting in the 2nd row of the vehicle. Pontes stated she then turned her attention back to the roadway. Pontes stated she looked to her right and left again and did not see any vehicles in either direction. Pontes stated she proceeded to cross the intersection to continue North on Albemarle Road. Pontes stated the front bumper area of MV1 crashed into the left side of a passing motorcycle. Pontes stated the motorcycle and it's operator fell to the roadway and slid across the street to the side of the road. Pontes stated she pulled her vehicle over onto Albemarle Road. Pontes stated she did not see the motorcycle prior to the crash and was not distracted. The operator of the motorcycle (MV2), Irene Pistoftzian (S06099449) was transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital with a serious left leg injury prior to my arrival. I observed a red 1990 Kawasaki ZR550 (MA MCN: 1V1063) resting on it's right side on the NE sidewalk area of Albemarle Road at Crafts Street with it's front wheel/handlebar facing Crafts Street. The motorcycle had moderate damage to it's left side from the impact of MV1 crashing into it. The right side of the motorcycle had damage from sliding on the roadway and the crashing into a fence on the sidewalk on Crafts Street (W) at Albemarle Road. There was also damamge to the front headlight/right handlebar area. The motorcycle and Toyota Sienna were towed from the scene by Tody's towing at Sgt. Lee's request. Pictures were taken of the scene and submitted to the IT Bureau. I spoke with Pistoftzian at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston on Monday, September 30, 2019. Pistoftzian stated she was operating her motorcycle on Crafts Street (W). Pistoftzian stated as she approached the intersection of Crafts Street and Albemarle Road, she observed a mini van to her left out of her peripheral. Pistoftzian stated she remembers being hit on her left side and then laying on the roadway looking up at the sky on the sidewalk with her head facing Albemarle Field. Pistoftzian stated as a result of the crash she has a significant injury to her left leg and also has an injury to her left wrist/arm. Pistoftzian stated she was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. I spoke with Kymberley Mitchell via telephone who stated she witnessed the crash. Mitchell stated she was traveling behind the motorcycle involved in the crash on Craft Street (W) at North Street. Mitchell stated they were stopped at a red light at this time. Mitchell stated there were no vehicles in front of the motorcycle at the light. Mitchell stated the light turned green and they continued on Crafts Street at a low rate of speed. Mitchell stated she could see ahead at the intersection of Albemarle Street and Crafts Street, traffic was stopped on Crafts Street (E) letting traffic exit Albemarle Road (N). Mitchell stated vehicles were taking left and right turns out of Albemarle Road before the motorcycle reached the intersection. Mitchell stated a mini van was crossing past the double yellow line of Crafts Street to continue straight when it crashed into the left side of the motorcycle. I spoke with Cheryl Wermer via telephone who stated she witnessed the crash. Wermer stated she was traveling on Crafts Street (E) towards Albemarle Road. Wermer stated traffic ahead of her was stopped to allow vehicles to turn off of Albemarle Road. Wermer stated she observed a motorcycle traveling towards her on Crafts Street (W). Wermer stated she then saw a vehicle travel straight from Albemarle Road across Crafts Street and crash into the motorcycle. Wermer stated the operator of the motorcycle flew off the bike. Wermer stated the car then came to a stop and the driver got out and stated "Oh my god! I didn't see you!" Wermer stated both vehicles were traveling at a low rate of speed prior to the crash. I spoke with Bill Frabizio via telephone who stated he witnessed the crash. Frabizio stated he was behind the mini van (MV1) on Albemarle Road prior to the crash. Frabizio stated the vehicle in front of him began to cross the intersection as he was monitoring the traffic on to take a right turn onto Crafts Street. Frabizio stated he heard a loud "Boom" and saw a motorcycle slide across the street with its operator. Frabizio stated the motorcycle crashed into a fence post and the operator came off the motorcycle. Frabizio stated he pulled over and assisted operator of the motorcycle. After concluding my investigation, the operator of MV1, Jussara Pontes, was mailed Massachusetts Uniform Citation T2016424 for Newton City Ordinance Chapter 19, Section 75 (Failure To Use Care).

On 10/04/19 at 11:49 hours while assigned to Traffic Unit 523, I responded to a motor vehicle/bicyclist accident at Centre Street and Nathan Road. The weather at the time was cloudy. The road surface was dry and Centre Street and Nathan Road are public ways maintained by the City of Newton. Traffic conditions were heavy and Centre Street was congested with vehicles at the time. There is no dedicated bicycle lane in this area but there are bicycle indicators painted on the roadway to make drivers aware of bicyclists traveling. I spoke to the bicyclist involved (Unit 2), Marvin Goldman (S67373495). Goldman was wearing a helmet, gray sweatshirt, gray shorts, and black/orange reflective sneakers. Mr. Goldman stated that he was traveling southbound on Centre Street on the right side of the road on his black Fuji Sagres bicycle. He further says that he was peddling fast at the time while crossing over Nathan Road and that is when he suddenly struck Unit 1 on it's passenger side front quarter panel/door area. He does not recall any other details of the incident along with Unit 1 attempting to turn left towards him. Goldman sustained scraped up knees and a small laceration below his left eye. He refused medical attention signing a patient refusal with Cataldo Medic One. I observed that his front wheel was bent as a result of the accident. The rest of the bicycle appeared to be intact. I then spoke to the operator of Unit 1, Darlene Martins (S27966454). Ms. Martins spoke with the assistance of Ofc. Calderon who was translating for her. She says that she was traveling northbound on Centre Street and was attempting to turn left on to Nathan Road in order to turn around and travel the other way on Centre Street. She says that a vehicle in the southbound travel lane left space for her to make her left turn. She then proceeded to turn thinking it was clear and that is when the bicyclist suddenly approached and struck her on her passenger side. She also stated that it was hard to see past the congestion of vehicles waiting in the southbound travel lane. I observed scratch marks and a dent to her passenger side front quarter panel area along with minor scuff marks to her front passenger door. The scuff marks appear to be from the bicyclist rubbing against the vehicle. I also observed a dent on the top of the passenger door frame. It is unknown if the damage is the result of the accident or old damage Ofc. Calderon spoke to Rosangela Dias (Passenger in Unit 1), who stated that everything happened so quick but she never saw the bicyclist approaching when Martins attempted to turn left. I then spoke to a witness on scene identified as Matthew Miner. He says that he was two vehicles behind an unknown vehicle in the southbound travel lane of Centre Street. He says that the unknown vehicle left space for Unit 1 to turn left and waved Unit 1 on to turn left. He does not recall what transpired with the bicyclist. As a result of the accident, it was determined that Martins did not yield the right of way to the bicyclist while she was turning left. She also does not have a license to operate in Massachusetts or any other state. She was issued MA Uniform Citation # T2012393 for Ch. 89/8 Failure to yield and Ch. 90/10 Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Digital photos taken by me of the scene.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, I received a call at approximately 2158 hours from Sgt. Devine of the Newton Police Traffic Bureau. Sgt. Devine stated there was a motor vehicle crash with serious injury that had just occurred at the intersection of Crafts Street and Waltham Street in Newton. Sgt. Devine stated that one of the parties involved had suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital. I responded to the scene and conducted an investigation of the crash with the assistance of Sgt. Devine and Captain Boudreau. Upon arrival it was reported to me by officers on scene that a party operating a motorized scooter on Crafts Street (E) had been struck by a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country (MA: 5EE316). The Chrysler was attempting to make a left turn from Crafts Street (W) onto Waltham Street (S). The operator of the motorized scooter, identified as Nadhir Tchikou (DOB: 11/23/1993), had suffered serious injuries to his head and left leg area and was transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital. It was reported to me that Officers Conary, Boyle, and Donovan were the first to arrive at the crash and provided life-saving care to Mr. Tchikou prior to being transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital. Officer Donovan responded to Brigham and Women's to keep us updated on Mr. Tchikou's status. The update provided to me while on scene was that Mr. Tchikou was in critical condition and in surgery. Due to the seriousness of the crash and potential fatal injury, Sgt. Devine contacted the Massachusetts State Police to assist in the investigation. Sgt. Mahoney and Trooper Paul responded as part of the Massachusetts State Police Crash Reconstruction team and conducted a supplemental investigation of the crash (MSP report 2020-CAR-000285). The location where the crash took place is Crafts Street and Waltham Street. Crafts Street and Waltham Street are public ways maintained by the City of Newton. Crafts Street and Waltham Street are municipal roadways that support two way travel for motor vehicles and bicycles with an unprotected median in the middle of both roadways to separate the direction of travel. This intersection was recently re-paved within the last month and has newly painted street markings including crosswalks, dedicated bicycle lanes, and stops lines at the intersections. Crafts Street at this intersection features two travels lanes. I observed the road surface to be dry at the time of my arrival on scene. The north lane in the westbound direction of Crafts Street permits travel straight ahead and also permits motorists/bicyclist to take a right turn onto Harding Street. The south lane in the westbound direction of Crafts Street is a dedicated left turn only lane that coincides with a left turn only arrow on the traffic signal in the middle of the intersection. The opposite side of Crafts Street permits traffic traveling in the eastbound lane to travel straight or take a left turn onto Harding Street from is a single lane travel lane. The area is well lit featuring street lights bright enough to illuminate the intersection for motorist traveling through the area. The weather at the time of the crash appeared to be clear. In the intersection where the crash took place, I observed a large debris field comprised of parts from a 2020 Tao Tao motorized scooter (49CC) and a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country (MA: 5EE316). I observed the motorized scooter (VIN: L9NTCBAG1L1010287) resting on its side facing North in the northbound lane of Crafts Street in the intersection. The motorized scooter has significant damage to its front, right, and left side and was inoperable. The area in the immediate vicinity of the motorized scooter was saturated with gasoline. The rear lights and dash of the motorized scooter were illuminated while I was observing the crash scene. The headlights were not intact due to the impact from the crash and I was unable to determine if they were functioning. The motorized scooter was removed from the roadway by Tody's Towing. The intersection where the crash took place had numerous first responders present immediately after the crash rendering aid to Mr. Tchikou prior to his transport to the hospital. It was reported by officers on scene that some of the items and debris in the intersection had been moved from their initial place of rest after the crash took place. A black MMG helmet was observed resting on the ground outside the debris field from the crash before the westbound left turn only lane of Crafts Street. It is unknown if it was moved from its initial place of rest by a first responder. I observed the strap on the helmet that would be used to secure it to the operator to be in good operable condition. I did not observe it to be defected and the securing feature of the strap was in working order. I did not observe any blood, hair, or other apparent physical evidence inside the helmet that would be consistent with the head injury reported to the operator of the motorized scooter. I observed what appeared to be fresh markings on the front mouth/nose area of the helmet. I observed a white Iphone with a red phone case lying on the roadway a short distance away from the impact area. The Iphone was on and displaying travel directions from the Iphone application Waze. The Iphone and the helmet were seized pending the status of the operator of MV2. A property/evidence form was completed and the Iphone and helmet were secured in property locker number 9. I spoke with the operator of MV1, William Moran (S34946215). Moran stated he was operating his white 2007 Chrysler Town and Country (MA: 5EE316) on Crafts Street (N) as he approached Waltham Street. Moran stated he had a green light and activated his left blinker as he approached the intersection with the intention of taking a left turn onto Waltham Street. Moran stated as he proceeded to take his left turn he saw "orange" and was unable to avoid hitting the object in front of him. Moran stated the object came out of nowhere and he swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid the crash. Moran stated after the collision he accelerated away from the impact area and came to a controlled stop on Waltham Street (S) just past the intersection. Moran stated he exited his vehicle and looked back at the intersection he had just travelled through. Moran stated as he began walking towards the intersection he observed a party laying on the roadway in the intersection. Moran stated the party was not wearing a helmet at this time. Moran also added that he believes the moped involved in the crash did not have its headlights on prior to impact. Moran stayed on scene and cooperated fully with officers during the investigation. A query of Moran's license and registration status through Newton Police Dispatched showed they are both active. I asked Moran if he was using a cell phone, GPS, or any other type of hand held device prior to the crash. Moran stated he was not. I asked Moran if he was distracted by anything either inside the vehicle or something on the roadway prior to the crash. Moran stated he was not. I asked Moran if he was currently impaired in any way that would impede his ability to operate a vehicle safely. Moran stated he was not. I asked Moran if he takes any medications or has a medical condition that would impede his ability to operate a vehicle safely. Moran stated he does not. Moran reported no injuries as a result of the crash. I observed Moran's vehicle at its controlled rest location. The vehicle was parked on Waltham Street (S) in the southbound lane just past the intersection of Crafts Street. The 2007 Chrysler Town and Country (MA: 5EE316) had substantial damage to the front passenger side bumper, hood, fender, windshield, and passenger door area. There was physical evidence of what appeared to be hair, blood, and tissue presumed to be from the operator of MV2 present in the cracked windshield, and on the passenger side door/mirror area. I observed a blue Commonwealth of Massachusetts "R" inspection sticker with a date of 05/28/2020 affixed to the windshield. Moran stated the rejection sticker was a result of an emissions failure. The inspection sticker expires in 2021. I asked Moran if there were any other mechanical issues with the vehicle. Moran stated there were no issues to his knowledge. I observed no objects present inside the vehicle during my investigation that would have potentially impeded the operators ability to see clearly through the windshield. I observed glass debris from the windshield inside the passenger and driver area of the vehicle. There was no air bag deployment inside the vehicle. Subsequent to my investigation, the vehicle was seized pending the status of the operator of MV2. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Tody's towing and secured in the Newton Police Department garage. The vehicle was escorted to the garage by Officer Donovan. A towed motor vehicle form was completed by Officer Donovan and the key for the vehicle was secured in property locker number 9. A property/evidence form was completed. Subsequent to my investigation Moran's black Alcatel cell phone was seized pending the status of the operator of MV2. A property/evidence form was completed and the phone was secured in property locker number 9. Officer Conary stated to me that prior to my arrival on scene she interviewed a witness to the crash and provided me with the following information. Joshua Hamel was operating his vehicle (W) in the right lane of Crafts Street towards Waltham Street. Hamel stated that MV1 (MA: 5EE136) was in the left turn lane on Crafts Street (W) towards Waltham. Hamel stated the scooter was headed eastbound on Crafts Street from Waltham. Hamel stated MV1 began to take a left turn and there was a head on collision with the scooter. Hamel stated he believed the traffic light at the time of the crash was green. On Friday, October 9, 2020, I spoke with Hamel via telephone. Hamel corroberated the statement he gave to Officer Conary. I asked Hamel if he believed the headlights on the motorized scooter were activated at the time of the crash. Hamel stated he believes the headlights on the motorized scooter were on as it approached the intersection but was not postive. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, I spoke with Mr. Tchikou in his ICU room at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Tchikou's wife, Yami Carrajza, was present in the room while I spoke with him. Tchikou stated he had a significant head injury, injuries to his nasal cavity, his back, and a significant injury to his left leg. I asked Tchikou about his recollection of the crash. Tchikou stated he had just left his friend's home on Hazelhurt Avenue in Newton and was traveling home to Brighton to bring his wife dinner. Tchikou stated he was traveling Eastbound on Crafts Street as he approached the intersection of Crafts Street and Waltham Street. Tchikou stated he had a green light and as he entered the intersection a white vehicle took a turn from the opposite side of the road in front of him. Tchikou stated he does not remember anything after that. I asked Tchikou if he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Tchikou stated he was. I explained to Tchikou that I recovered a white Iphone with a red case at the scene of the crash. Tchikou identified the Iphone as his. I explained that the phone was displaying travel directions when I found it and I asked Tchikou if he was distracted by his phone prior to the crash. Tchikou stated he was not distracted by the phone and the phone was in a holder on the motorized scooter. I asked Tchikou if he remembers if his headlights were activated on his motorized scooter at the time of the crash. Tchikou stated they were on. I asked Tchikou if he could produce paperwork for the motorized scooter to prove he was the owner. Tchikou stated he had recently purchased the scooter and the paperwork for it was at his residence. Tchkou's wife e-mailed me a picture of the Certificate of Origin for the motorized scooter. I asked Tchikou if he could produce a license or permit that would allow him to operate the motorized scooter. Tchikou stated he did not have a Massachusetts license or permit, but had an Algerian license at this residence. I was able to observe a picture of the license on his wife's cell phone. The written text on the license was in Arabic. Tchikou did not have a translation of the license in English and did not possess an International Driver's Permit. As a result of my investigation, Mr. William Moran while operating MV1 (MA: 5EE316) entered the travel lane of MV2 (Tchikou) as he was making a left turn onto Waltham Street from Crafts Street. MV2 had the right of way and MV1 failed to yield to MV2's right of way causing the collision to take place. Moran was advised of my investigation and issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation T0115914 via mail by request for Chapter 90, Section 8 (Fail To Yield To The Right Of Way At An Intersection.) Mr. Nadhir Tchikou operated his motor scooter at the time of the crash without a valid license/permit. Tchikou is also in violation of operation of a motor scooter after dark (prohibited). The crash occurred at 2147 hours. Tchikou will be issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation T0115915 in hand at Brigham and Women's Hospital for Chapter 90, Section 1E (Unlicensed Operation Of A Motor Scooter) and Chapter 90, Section 1E (Operation Of A Motor Scooter After Sunset - Hours Restriction.)

Bicyclist Cory Small stated that on 06/10/2021 at 17:48 hours he was riding his Specialized carbon frame bike in the westbound bike lane on Beacon St near Garland Rd. Beacon St and Garland Rd are both public ways in the City of Newton. Small stated that westbound Beacon St traffic was stopped at the intersection of Walnut St. Small stated that he continued riding westbound in the bike lane while traffic was stopped. Small stated that as he was crossing over the intersection of Garland Rd. when a vehicle that was driving in the eastbound lane of Beacon St turned left onto the northbound lane of Garland Rd and into his path of travel. Small stated that when the vehicle turned onto Garland Rd it caused him to crash into the rear passenger side of it. As a result of the crash Small had lacerations to his left hand and leg. Small's left ankle became swollen due to the crash. Small was transported via EMS to Newton Wellesley Hospital for treatment. Small was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Operator of vehicle one ( 2012 Volvo XC70 MA reg 2FJK50 ) Matthew Ristuccia stated that he was driving eastbound on Beacon St and was turning left onto the northbound lane of Garland Rd when the crash occurred. Ristuccia stated that he did not see Small prior to the crash. Ristuccia stated that he and his two sons who were passengers were not injured. Ristuccia's vehicle had minor scrape marks on the rear and center passenger side. I took photos of Ristuccia's vehicle and the disk was downloaded by the NPD's IT Bureau. Small's bike had damage to the left hand brake, and possible frame damage. Based upon statements made to me by Small and Ristuccia and my observation of the vehicle and bike, I issued Ristuccia MA Uniform Citation T1447316 and cited him for a violation of MGL 90/14 , failure to yield to an oncoming bicyclist when turning left. I explained to Ristuccia his payment and appeal options.

On 8/10/2021 at approx 0851hrs while assigned to 497 I responded to the intersection of Washington St at Grove St for a report of a motor vehicle/bike crash with minor injuries. Upon arrival I met with Montgomery Curren a 15 year old adolescent male who related he was in the right travel lane w/b on Washington St crossing the intersection of Grove St when Ma Reg 3SN235 pulled in front of him taking a left from the e/b lane of Washington St onto Grove St. Curren was wearing a bicycle helmet, had minor scrapes and minor damage to his handlebars. I spoke with Triaca Fiorella who stated she was taking a left onto Grove St from Washington St, stopped to see if any cars were coming , when she saw no cars she took the left and Curren ran into the side of her car. Fiorella stated she believed Curren was "speeding" on his bicycle. Mass Uniform Citation T2015318 issued to Fiorella for violation MGL Ch 89 Sec 8 Fail to Yield Right of Way. Currens father , James Curren, responded to the scene to sign a patient refusal for Curren.