crash_reports

On 1/14/2019 at approx 1406Hrs while assigned to 497 I responded to the area of 2150 Washington St for a report of a 2 car collision. Upon arrival I met with the operators of Ma Reg 5NG581 Jeff LONDON and Ma Reg RT35K2 Lori GANS. LONDON was signing a refusal with Cataldo Ambulance and stated he had already exchanged all his information with the other operator. I spoke with GANS who stated LONDON stopped suddenly for a turkey that walked into the roadway, GANS was able to brake but lightly tapped LONDON.

Operator of MV1 (MA reg 986EW5) stated she was backing out of her parking spot when her vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side bumper. Operator of MV2 (MA reg 9PP698) stated she was traveling straight ahead and did not see MV1 backing out when she struck the vehicle. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and did not require a tow. The operator of MV1 was complaining of some neck pain so I called for an ambulance to evaluate the party. The driver and passenger and MV2 did not state they had any injuries. Engine 10 and ambulance 1 arrived on scene to speak with the injured party. The injured party signed a medical refusal. Both parties were able to drive away from the scene without any incident.

On 09/27/19 at 08:41 hours while assigned to Traffic Unit 523, I responded to a motor vehicle/bicyclist accident at 1330 Centre Street. The weather at the time was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry and Centre Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. Traffic conditions were at a heavy volume and Centre Street was congested at the time. There is no dedicated bicycle lane in this area due to the road being too narrow. I spoke to the bicyclist involved (Unit 2), Michael Hnatko (S10432772). Mr. Hnatko stated he was traveling northbound on Centre Street on the right side of the road on his 20 inch gray Trek bicycle. He further says that he was peddling very fast at the time and must have not been paying attention to MV1 turning right in to parking lot of 1330 Centre Street as he was approaching from behind. As MV1 was turning right, he then struck the passenger side rear quarter panel of the vehicle and fell forward off of his bicycle. He sustained minor injuries such as scrapes to his knuckles on both hands and a small cut to the bridge of his nose. He signed a patient refusal with Cataldo Ambulance. It appeared that the front alignment was now off on his Trek bicycle. I then spoke to the operator of MV1, Lonnie McGinnis (S66044083). He states that he was inching along in heavy traffic waiting to turn right in to the lot of 1330 Centre Street with his right turn directional signal on. As he was turning right, the bicyclist struck his vehicle on his passenger side rear quarter panel area. McGinnis thought it was clear to turn right at the time and never saw the bicyclist approaching from behind. No injuries reported by McGinnis and I observed minor dents and scratches to the passenger rear quarter panel area. Digital photos taken by Ofc. Gaudet.

On August 19th, 2020, while working in marked unit N526, I responded to a MVA vs. bicyclist in the area of the intersection of Crafts Street and Watertown Street, Newton. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and cloudy. The road surface was dry. Crafts Street and Watertown Street are both public ways maintained by the City of Newton. The operator of MV1, Cody Hjelm (NHL19517660), stated he was traveling westbound on Watertown Street and had just crossed over Crafts Street when he saw a bicyclist traveling in the same direction on Watertown Street. As MV1 approached the bicyclist he moved over to the left towards the double yellow lines to give the bicyclist room. MV1 states the bicyclist was no longer in front of his vehicle when he heard a thud type noise come from the side of his van. MV1 stated he pulled over and saw the bicyclist on the ground with a head injury. MV1 sustained moderate damage to the right passenger side of the vehicle. The operator of MV1 reported no injuries and signed a patient refusal. MV1 was able to leave the scene of the accident. The bicyclist identified as Harriet Fell (S04980771) was being treated by medics on scene at the time of my arrival. I spoke with her briefly inside the ambulance as she was being treated for a head injury. Harriet stated she has no recollection of the accident and does not remember what happened before or after the crash. Medics advised she was being taken to NWH for treatment. I spoke with Harriet on the telephone around 1630 hours. She stated she still does not remember what happened but stated she was just finishing her forty mile bike ride and was heading home. Harriet stated she has a hematoma on her head and recieved three stiches. Harriet also stated she has small abrasions on both hands. Harriet stated she was being released from the hospital shortly and will pick up her bicycle tomorrow. The bicycle was transported to the police station by Newton DPW and was secured for safekeeping inside Support Services by Officer Manouk. A property form was completed and submitted along with an Incident report # 20039014. I took photographs of the accident scene and submitted them to the IT Bureau. Update by Ofc. Geagan: On 08/20/2020 Ms. Fell came to the Support Serices Bureau to retrive her bicycle. See attached Evidence/ Property Form and Return of Property Sheet

MV1 (Cataldo Ambulance) travelling North on Woodbine St. struck the driver side mirror and driver side rim of MV2 that was parked on the side of the road. MV1 stated there were vehicles parked on both sides of the street. Pictures of the road and of the damage of both vehicles were taken and sent to the IT Bureau to be attached to this report. Driver of MV 1 stated he was unsure if the damage on the vehicle was old or new. Owner of MV 2 was on scene and was given a crash report number for insurance purposes.

On 12/3/2020 at 1400hrs I investigated a past motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. The crash occurred on 12/03/2020 at approximately 1240hrs. The crash was located in the area of 483 Centre St. Centre St is a public way in the city of Newton. Vehicle 1 was traveling southbound on Centre St near the area of 483 Centre St. Pedestrian 1 was located on the southbound side of Centre St near 483 Centre St. Pedestrian entered the southbound lane of Centre St and was struck by Vehicle 1. As a result of the impact Pedestrian 1 sustained a minor injury to his left leg. Vehicle 1 had no known damage. No parties were transported. No tow was required. It should be noted that the crash was reported by the Operator of Vehicle 1 Daniel Zandman at approximately 1400hrs. Zandman states that he was operating his Vehicle southbound on Centre St just after the intersection at Church St. Zandman states that Pedestrian 1 unexpectedly ran in front of his vehicle. Zandman stated that he did not have enough reaction time to come to a complete stop and his front bumper made contact with Pedestrian 1. Zandman stated that after impact he immediately got out of his vehicle and checked on Pedestrian 1. Zandman described pedestrian on as a 10 year old white male identified as Dexter Jagoditish. Zandman stated that while on scene Dexter called his mother Jess Jagoditish who immediately responded to the scene. Zandman stated that he exchanged information with Jess Jagoditish who then took Dexter home. Zandman states that a witness Mia Martin was also on scene. At approximately 1425hrs I called and spoke to Dexter and his mother Jess Jagoditish. Dexter states that he was walking on the sidewalk near 483 Centre St. Dexter states that he wanted to cross Centre St and thought there were no cars coming. Dexter stated that he entered the southbound lane of Centre St and a car came out of no where and hit him. I then spoke to Jess Jagoditish who is Dexter's mother. Jess stated that she received a call from Dexter around 1240hrs stating he was just hit by a car. Jess stated that when she arrived on scene Dexter was with Zandman and a witness Mia Martin. Jess stated that both Zandman and Martin explained them what had happened. Jess stated that Dexter appeared to be ok so she decided to take him home. Jess states that at this time Dexter has a bruise on his left calf but otherwise appears to be ok. At 1551hrs I spoke with the witness Mia Martin. Martin states that just prior to the crash she was walking her dog behind Dexter. Martin states that "out of nowhere" Dexter sprinted into the southbound lane of Centre St. Mia states that she then observed Vehicle 1 attempt to slow down and swerve to the lest to avoid Dexter. Mia states that the passenger side front bumper then made contact with Dexter. Mia states at impact Vehicle 1 was traveling at a very slow speed. Mia states that Dexter was then knocked on to the ground but then immediately jumped up and started to run away. Mia states that both she and Zandman were able to get Dexter to comeback so that they could check to see if he was ok. Mia states that Dexter was then able to contact his mom who responded on scene. Due to this crash being reported after the fact, Fire, EMS or Police where not initially notified and did not respond to the scene. Pictures were also not taken of the crash scene. At this time this report is for documentation purposes. After speaking with all the parties involved it appears that the crash was caused by Pedestrian 1 entering the roadway in a manner which gave Vehicle 1 little or no time to react.

Bicyclist Michael Foley stated that on 05/11/2021 at approximately 22:00 hours he was riding his Blanch mountain bike west bound near 2401 Commonwealth Ave when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Commonwealth Ave is a public way in the City of Newton. Foley stated that he was thrown from his bike and onto the roadway. It should be noted that the section of Commonwealth Ave were the crash occurred is not lit. At the time of the crash Foley was wearing dark non reflective clothing. Foley was not wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment at the time of the crash. Foley stated that he did not see what type of vehicle struck him from behind and could not offer any other description. Foley was discovered laying in the roadway by a Good Samaritan at 22:08 hours. Upon inspection of Foley's bike I observed that the rear tire and rear fender was bent inward to the left side. I further observed that Foley's bike had no reflective materials affixed to it. Foley stated he did not lose consciousness as a result of the crash. Foley was transported via EMS to the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston for treatment. I respond to the Beth Israel Hospital and Foley again reiterated what he had stated at the crash site, about not having any description of the vehicle that struck him. The staff I spoke with at the hospital stated that Foley had a possible broken shoulder and/or collarbone and abrasions to his hands and legs. Foley's bike and a bag of his possessions were secured at Support Services at the station and Ofc Fay filled out a property form. During a canvass of the crash site no physical evidence from a vehicle was observed. I also observed no skid marks on the roadway. There were no cameras in the area. Due to the lack of physical evidence ,and no witness to this crash I believe that the operator of the vehicle that struck Foley may not of even been aware that a crash occurred. It should be noted that over the past 18 years I have had numerous interactions with Foley, and I know that he is homeless and has resisted any aid from social service agencies. Foley is know to camp in the Town of Weston in woods adjacent to the Massachusetts Turnpike. From pass reports Foley has used Harris Cycles at 1351 Washington St Newton, and the law firm of Jason and Fisher at 47 Winter St Boston as contact locations.

Operator of vehicle one Newton FF Eric Howard stated that while getting into the drivers seat of Newton Medic Unit 3 a Fallon Ambulance ( 2021 Ford Econoline MA reg AMN 7715 ), that was parked in front of 19 Faxon St, he inadvertently stepped on the break and disengaged the gear shift so that the ambulance went from park to drive. FF Howard was getting ready to drive Newton Medic Unit 3 to Newton Wellesley Hospital while Fallon Medics attend to their patient in the rear of the ambulance. FF Howard stated that after the ambulance went into drive it drove south bound on Faxon St and it's front driver's side fender struck the rear passenger side bumper of vehicle two. FF Howard stated that he was not injured in the crash and was able to drive the ambulance to Newton Wellesley Hospital. Fallon Medics Jared Gaglio and Shane McMahon stated that they were in the rear of the ambulance treating their patient, Dominica Tramontozzi when they felt the ambulance move forward and strike vehicle two. Both Gaglio and McMahon stated that they were not injured in the crash. I was unable to take a statement from Tramontozzi. Operator of Vehicle two Newton FF Joseph Colella stated that he was sitting in the driver's sea of Newton Fire Dept Eng 8 ( 2004 E-One Pumper MA reg MF471 and Newton Fire LT Douglas Quinn was sitting in the front passenger seat when the crash occurred. Vehicle two was parked in front of 19 Faxon St. FF Colella stated that the front driver's fender of vehicle one stuck the rear passenger bumper of vehicle two. Both FF Colella and Fire LT Quinn stated that they were not injured in the crash. Vehicle two did not require a tow. Vehicle one was towed from Newton Wellesley Hospital after a tow was arraigned by a Fallon Ambulance Supervisor. I took photos of both vehicles and forwarded the disk to the NPD's IT Bureau for downloading. Faxon St is public way in the City of Newton.

On October 28, 2021 at approximately 18:26 hours I, Officer Guarino, spoke with Craig Gimbrone over the phone, who reported that he was hit by a motor vehicle in the crosswalk at 1221 Centre St between 15:00 and 15:13 hours. Craig said that he was crossing the crosswalk at 1221 Centre St east to west and was struck by a black car traveling southbound in the far right lane of Centre St. Craig said that the vehicle struck him and caused him to fall over, Craig got up and continued to cross the street and enter CVS without speaking with the operator of the vehicle. Craig did not get a license plate, description of the vehicle or the operator. Craig could only recall that the vehicle was a black sedan. Craig was wearing blue jeans and a gray jacket at the time of the collision. Craig said that the crosswalk flashing lights were not activated prior to him crossing the roadway. Crag said that he did not need EMS but was starting to have pain in his right ankle and right shoulder. He emailed me photographs of his ankle which was forwarded to IT to be attached to this report. Craig was given the crash report number for his records.

Operator of vehicle one James Cellucci stated that he was driving south bound on Lexington St near number 419 in his 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee ( MA reg 9339AC ). Cellucci stated his speed was approximately 10 to 15 MPH. Cellucci stated that a group of approximately 5 children ran out from between vehicles that where stopped in traffic in the north bound lane of Lexington St. Cellucci stated that one of the children ran in front of his vehicle. Cellucci stated that he attempted to break but a crash was inevitable. Witness Molly Van Horn made the same statement as Cellucci about a group of children running out between stopped vehicles . The child that was struck by Cellucci's vehicle was Ben Shreve ( DOB 12/14/2010 ) . Shreve did not lose consciousness as a result of the crash. Shreve was transported to Boston Children's Hospital via EMS for treatment along with his parents. Lexington St is a public way in the City of Newton.

MV#1 Was stopped in traffic on Parker St, facing Northbound when they were struck by MV#2 from behind. OPMV#1 Stated she was stopped in traffic when she was hit from behind by another vehicle. MV#2 Was stopped in traffic on Parker St, facing Northbound when they were struck by MV#3. OPMV#2 Stated he was stopped in traffic when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. MV#3 Was traveling Northbound on Parker St when they collided with MV#2 that was stopped in traffic. OPMV#3 Stated she didn't know what happened prior to the crash. MV#3 Was towed by Tody's Towing. OPMV#3 Was transported by EMS to Brigham Hospital.