crash_reports

The operator of Vehicle #1 stated that he was pulling out of the driveway at 414 Watertown St when he was struck by Vehicle #2, a Vespa scooter. He stated that a vehicle parked on the side of the road may have blocked his view of the scooter. The operator of Vehicle #2 stated that he collided with Vehicle #1 as it was pulling out of the driveway.

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.)

Operator of vehicle #1 was travelling Eastbound on Derby St. when vehicle #2 took a right turn from Sheridan St. onto Derby St. and struck vehicle #1. Operator of #2 stated he was travelling Northbound on Sheridan and did not see vehicle #1 as he took a right turn onto Derby St. colliding with vehicle #1. Operator of vehicle #1 was cited for unlicensed operation.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, while assigned to Traffic unit 525, I responded to the intersection of Langley Road and Union Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle crash with injury. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Langley Road and Union Street are both public ways maintained by the City of Newton. I spoke with the operator of MV1, Victor Vayntraub (S86665758). Vayntraub stated they were operating their Volkswagen Touareg (MA: 7HP137) North on Langley Road towards Beacon Street. Vayntraub stated as he passed through the Union Street intersection of Langley Road, MV2 exited Union Street traveling East across the intersection and he was unable to avoid the collision. MV1's front end crashed into the passenger side of MV2. I observed significant damage to the front end of MV1. Tody's towing responded and removed MV1 from the roadway. The operator of MV1 was evaluated by Newton Medics on scene and signed a patient refusal. I spoke with the operator of MV2, Jean Scribner (S17093056). Scribner stated she as operating her 2016 Ford Explorer (MA: 274XPY) East on Union Street. Scribner stated she came to a stop at the stop sign on Union Street at Langley Road. Scribner stated she looked to her left and right, saw no vehicles, and proceeded to enter the intersection to cross over Langley road and continue straight. Scribner stated once in the intersection a white vehicle came out of nowhere and crashed into the passenger side of her vehicle. I observed significant damage to the passenger side of MV2. Tody's towing responded and removed MV2 from the roadway. The operator of MV2 was evaluated by Newton Medics on scene and signed a patient refusal. After speaking with both operators, the operator of MV2 (Scribner) failed to yield to MV1's right of way when she attempted to cross Langley Road from Union Street. Scribner was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation T1442404 in hand for Chapter 89, Section 8 (Fail to Yield to the Right of Way at an Intersection). As a result of the crash, the municpal street sign at the intersection of Langley Road at Union Street (E) was damaged. Photos were taken and submitted to the IT Bureau.

On 11/10/20 I was working N492 when I responded to the area of Albemarle Rd. at Crafts St. for a 2 car MVA. Upon arrival I spoke with the Operator of Veh 2 Jane Connor. Connor stated she was traveling southbound on Albemarle Rd. when she came to the stop sign at Crafts St., which she came to a complete stop at. However she believed she had enough time to get across the intersection and pulled into the roadway causing a collision with Veh 1. Connor stated it was her fault and she had misjudged the distance and speed of Veh 1. I then spoke with the operator of Veh 1 Tessa Lanfear. Lanfear stated while traveling east bound on Crafts St. Veh 2 Pulled out of Albemarle Rd. into the roadway in front of her causing a collision. Todys responded and towed Veh 2 at the owners request. Newton Medics obtained patient refusals for all parties involved. All parties were provided with a crash report number.

Mv#1 operator stated he was travelling on Centre St S/B approaching the Beacon St intersection. #1 stated he was in the left lane turning left and had a green light. #1 stated the light turned yellow before he turned. At this time, #1 struck Mv#2 that was travelling straight ahead on Centre St N/B. #1 sustained heavy driver's side front end damage with airbag deployment. #1 was not injured. #2 operator stated she was travelling on Centre St N/B in the right lane going straight through the Beacon St intersection on a green light. #2 stated she was struck on her driver's broadside by #1 that turned left into her. #2 sustained heavy driver's broadside and front end damage with airbag deployment. #2 was very shaken up and transported by medics to NWH for evaluation. The scene remained active for a period time as the collision occured near the middle of the intersection during heavy traffic. Officers were required to safely direct traffic and pedestrians to avoid further accidents. As a result, no citation was written on scene. #1 was advised he would receive a citation in the mail. Both MVs towed by Tody's. Court/RMV citation processing note: #1 operator student/temporary residence was added to the bottom of the citation.

Vehicle One was attempting to change lanes to go around an unknown vehicle which was making a left turn onto Pearl St when its right front collided with Vehicles Two left side.Vehicle Two was travelling straight when Vehicle One entered his lane of travel. Both operators had the same version of events. There were no injuries. The operator of Vehicle Two requested a crash report due to his company policy.

OPMV#1 Was traveling Northbound on Chestnut St, making a left turn onto Commonwealth Ave when she was struck by the OPMV#2. OPMV#1 Stated she had a green light and was making a left turn onto Commonwealth Ave when a vehicle went through the red light and hit her car. OPMV#2 Was traveling Eastbound on Commonwealth Ave and struck the OPMV#1 at the intersection of Commonwealth Ave and Chestnut St. OPMV#2 Stated she was attempting to stop at the red light but her foot slipped off the brake and pushed the accelerator causing her to go through the red light and hitting a vehicle attempting to make a left turn. Both vehicles were towed by Tody's Towing.

The operator of MV#1 stated that she entered Melrose St from Commonwealth Ave and after stopping to let another MV pass south bound, she proceeded north on a very congested Melrose St. The operator of MV#1 then noticed that something was wrong with her MV and pulled to the side of the road. Operator was then approached by the operator of MV#2 and informed that she had struck his MV. The operator of MV#2 stated that he was attempting to pull to the side of Melrose St (#230) because it was very congested with parked MV's on both sides, when his MV was side swiped (same direction) by MV#1. MV#2 was then pushed into MV#3, which was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The operator of MV#2, a witness and an uninvolved resident all stated to me that the operator of MV#1 had attempted to leave the scene and lie about what MV actually struck the damaged MV's. I discussed this with operator #1 who stated she was unaware she had struck another MV until she noticed issues with her car and at first assumed it must have been the MV traveling in front of her. There were no reported injuries and MV#1 was towed due to a front broken axel.

On Tuesday, December 01, 2020, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the rear parking lot of 200 Boylston Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle crash. I spoke with the reporting party and operator of MV1, Sungmi Lee (S54407875). Ms. Lee stated she was operating her 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe (MA: 6KR971) Eastbound through the second floor of the Wegmans parking garage, a public right of way. The area she was traveling through is designated for one was travel with a vehicle ramp to her right that allows access for vehicle to go up or come down from the third floor. Ms. Lee stated MV2 (2018 Jeep Compass, CT: AR52330), traveled down the ramp from the third floor and did not stop at the stop sign at the entrance to the second floor. Ms. Lee stated the front end of MV2 crashed into the passenger side of her vehicle. I observed damage to the passenger side area of MV1. Ms. Lee stated her neck was sore from the crash but declined having EMS respond to evaluate her. Ms. Lee stated both vehicles pulled over to exchange information after the crash. Ms. Lee stated the operator of the other vehicle, Avery Adams, stated to her she was at fault for the crash. Ms. Lee stated she noticed the license Ms. Adams showed her was expired. Ms. Adams left the area after they exchanged information and Ms. Lee contacted Newton PD about Ms. Adams' license status. I queried Ms. Adams' license and registration status through Newton PD Dispatch who informed me both were suspended. I spoke with Ms. Adams via telephone. Ms. Adams stated she was traveling down the ramp to the second floor of the parking garage and came to stop at the stop sign. Ms. Adams stated she began making her turn onto the second floor when MV1 sped up to go around her. Ms. Adams stated the front driver side of her vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of MV2. Ms. Adams was advised of her license and registration status and was mailed Massachusetts Uniform Citation T0115918 for Chapter 90, Section 23 (Operate MV with a Suspended License) and Chapter 90, Section 23 (Operate MV with a Suspended Registration).

Operator of MV1 states he was parked at the meter spot in front of 1175 Walnut Street when he went to merge onto Walnut Street southbound. MV2 struck his front bumper with the right side of her vehicle. Operator of MV1 states he spoke with the operator of MV2 who stated to him she didn't see him merging onto Walnut Street because she was on her cell phone. MV1 sustained damage to the front bumper. Operator of MV2 states she was traveling southbound on Walnut Street and struck MV1 when he was merging into traffic. I asked the operator of MV2 if she was on her cell phone, which she first denied, but admitted to having the cell phone in her hand. MV2 sustained extensive damage to the right side of the vehicle and needed to be towed, which was removed from the roadway by Tody's towing. The operator of MV2 was queried and had an expired license. Massachusetts uniform citation #T2012863 was issued to the operator of MV2 for MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 10 Operating MV w/o a license and MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 13B Use of Electronic Device. No injuries were reported on scene.

On Wednesday 12/9/2020 at approx 0501hrs, while assigned to N491, I responded to the area of Centre St and Washington St for a 2 car MVA. Operator of MV1 states that he had just come off the pike and was going to work in Watertown. He said he was in the right lane prior to merging onto the Washington St bridge. Operator of MV2 states he was traveling NB in his lane when MV1 cut into his lane and hit his tow truck.

On Thursday, December 10, 2020 while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the area 1185 Walnut Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a City of Newton vehicle. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Walnut Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The Operator of MV1, Paula Khoury, stated she was parked in front of 1185 Walnut Street, Newton. Ms. Khoury stated while operating a 2018 Kia Sorento (MA: 7HK496), she attempted to leave her parking spot. Ms. Khoury stated she looked back into traffic and did not observe any vehicles. Ms. Khoury stated she attempted to merge into the southbound travel lane of Walnut Street when the front driver side of her vehicle crashed into the middle passenger side of a passing pick up truck. Ms. Khoury reported no injuries. I observed damage to the front driver side of MV1. The operator of MV2, Brian Napolitano, stated he was operating a City of Newton owned 2008 Ford pick up truck (MA MVN: M1653A) southbound on Walnut Street. Mr. Napolitano stated as he was passing the area of 1185 Walnut Street, a black SUV parked to his right attempted to leave it's parking spot and merge into traffic. Mr. Napolitano stated MV1 crashed into the passenger side of his vehicle. I observed minor damage to the middle passenger side of MV2. Mr. Napolitano reported no injuries. Mr. Napolitano worked for the City of Newton DPW. Photos were taken of the damage to both vehicle and submitted to the IT Bureau.