crash_reports

On Monday, July 1, 2019 while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the area of 802 Walnut Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle accident. The weather at the time of the accident 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, Dayana Martinez (S96710554), stated she was operating her 2019 Toyota Rav 4 (MA: 934RJ9), Northbound in the area of 802 Walnut Street, Newton. Martinez stated as she was coming around the bend the sensor system for her vehicle activated and she attempted to pull her vehicle away from the double yellow line. Martinez stated the vehicle locked up and she made contact with MV2. Martinez reported no injuries on scene. I observed moderate damage to the front driver side area of MV1. The operator of MV2, Gerard Kenneally (S75917793), stated he operating his 1999 Ford E150 (MA: 3AL821), Southbound in the area of 802 Walnut Street, Newton. Kenneally stated MV2 was traveling Northbound on Walnut Street and crossed over the double yellow line and side swiped the driver side of his vehicle. Kenneally reported no injuries on scene. I observed moderate damage to the driver side of MV2 from the driver door to the rear bumper area. I spoke with a witness to the accident, Bryan Stewart, via telephone. Stewart stated he was traveling Southbound on Walnut Street behind MV2 at the time of the accident. Stewart stated he observed MV1 drive over the double yellow line and into their travel lane. Stewart stated 3/4 of the vehicle was in the Southbound lane while it was traveling Northbound. Stewart stated MV1 crashed into MV2. Stewart stated if MV2 was not in front of him then MV1 would have crashed into him. After speaking with all parties involved, Martinez was mailed Massachusetts Uniform Citation T1272998 for Chapter 89, Section 4A (Marked Lanes).

On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, while assigned to Traffic unit N25, I responded to the area of 2000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle crash. The weather at the time of the accident was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Commonwealth Avenue is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The operator of MV1, Gabriel Orama (S10894418), stated he was stopped in traffic near 2000 Commonwealth Avenue (W) in his 2013 Toyota Prius (MA: 4MG361). Orama stated the vehicle behind him attempted to pass him on his right and the front passenger side of MV2 crashed into the rear driver side of his vehicle. I observed minor damage to the rear driver side bumper area. Orama reported no injuries. The operator of MV2, Michael Ansel (S11557140), stated he was operating his 20003 Mercury Marquis ( MA: 992SK2) near 2000 Commonwealth Avenue (W). Ansel stated he was having an emergency and was trying to get around traffic to use a restroom at a local business. MV2's front passenger bumper crashed into MV2's rear driver bumper area. Ansel reported no injuries. Ansel stated he was responsible for the accident to me.

On Sunday, September 13th 2020, at approximately 5:30pm, I, Officer Brooks, responded to 47 Bunker lane for a single car MVA into a tree. Upon my arrival I spoke with the owner of MV1(MA REG 667PG8), who stated he was teaching his daughter how to drive. He stated they were traveling northbound on Fairway drive, and upon turnng eastbound onto Bunker Lane his daughter hit the gas instead of the brake and accelerated into a tree. The car sustained heavy front end damage with airbag deployment. Cataldo responded and cleared with 2 patient refusals. The vehicle was towed by Tody's.

On Friday, May 7, 2021, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the area of Colby Road for a report of a crash involving a City of Newton owned vehicle. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. I spoke with Mr. Michael Sanford from the City of Newton Water Department. Mr. Sanford stated his City of Newton owned vehicle (2013 Ford F-250 (MA MVN: M88493) was parked unoccupied (S) in front of 497 Centre Street, Newton. Mr. Sanford stated his emergency lights were on while he was marking out a service. Mr. Sanford stated he then observed a white 2005 Ford Ecowagon (MA CON: L61558) travel past his vehicle South on Centre Street and make contact with his driver side door mirror. Mr. Sanford stated the vehicle continued down Centre Street and he followed it to Rochester Road where is came to a stop. I observed damage to the driver door mirror. I spoke with the operator of MV2, Ms. Jerrie Spencer (S12241050). Ms. Spencer stated she knew she made contact with MV1's driver door mirror, but was trying to make it to her appointment at the Faulkner Hospital and that is why she did not immediately pull over. I observed damage to the front passenger side door mirror. Ms. Spencer was provided with Massachusetts Uniform Citation 994181AA for Chapter 89, Section 4A (Marked Lanes Violation). Centre Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. Photos were taken of both vehicles and submitted to the IT Bureau.

On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, while assigned to marked unit N493, I responded to the area 2115 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton with several other units for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. Commonwealth Avenue is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny, The road surface was dry. On arrival, I spoke with the operator of MV1, Mr. Robert Bemis (S57110680). Mr. Bemis stated he was operating his 2019 Nissan Murano (MA: 1WHT71) on Commonwealth Avenue (W) towards Melrose Street. Mr. Bemis stated a red SUV traveling on Commonwealth Avenue (E) entered his travel lane and he had to swerve to avoid crashing head on. The front driver side of MV2 crashed into the driver side of MV1. I observed moderate damage to the entire length of MV1's driver side. Mr. Bemis reported no injuries and signed a patient refusal with Fallon Medics. Mr. Bemis was able to operate his vehicle away from the area. I spoke with the operator of MV2, Mr. Robert Shea (S86188377). Mr. Shea stated he was operating his 2011 Chrysler Town and Country (MA: 2LYT84) on Commonwealth Avenue (E) towards Lexington Street. Mr. Shea stated he was attempting to make left turn towards Lexington Street when MV1 hit him. Mr. Shea was transported to Newton Wellesely Hospital for evaluation. I observed signifcant damage to the front driver side of MV2. MV2 was removed from the roadway by Tody's Towing. The point of impact of the crash occured in the Westbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue. While traveling Eastbound on Commonwealth Avenue, MV2 crossed the double yellow unprotected median on the roadway and entered the Westbound travel lane. MV2 applied his brakes leaving skid marks to the point of impact and crashed into the driver side of MV1. The operator of MV2 will be cited with Massachusetts Uniform Citation 090421AB for Chapter 89, Section 4a (Marked Lanes Violation).

On Sunday, August 22, 2021, I was contacted by Sgt. M. Wade of the Newton Police Traffic Bureau at 0032 hours. Sgt. Wade stated a serious motor vehicle crash occurred on Washington Street in Newton and it involved a City of Newton marked police cruiser (N494). Sgt. Wade stated Officer Katelyn Pohlman and the operator of the other vehicle involved were transported to the hospital with potential serious injuries. I was requested by Sgt. Wade to respond to the scene from my residence and investigate the crash further. On arrival at the scene, I observed the two vehicles involved in the crash to be a 2015 Ford Explorer (MA: 586RT7) and Newton Police marked unit N494 (MA MVN: MP494B). These vehicles were observed disabled on the roadway in front of 612 Washington Street, Newton. There was a large debris field comprised of various parts from both vehicles on the roadway and in the parking lot of 612 Washington Street. The road surface at the time of my arrival was wet and there was light rain falling. Sgt. Wade reported that at the time of the crash the road was completely dry and it had not started to rain yet. Washington Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The portion of Washington Street where the crash took place supports two- way travel, Eastbound and Westbound. There are two travel lanes in both directions. Travel direction is divided by a double yellow line in the middle of the roadway. The area is well lit and features numerous light poles illuminating the roadway. The closest intersection to this location is Crafts Street just west of the crash location. MV1 (MA: 586RT7) had substantial front-end damage, especially to its front passenger side and was inoperable. I observed this vehicle at its final rest on the roadway with its front end facing Northbound on Washington Street just over the double yellow line in the middle of the roadway. The front and side impact airbags had deployed inside the vehicle as a result of the collision. I did not observe anything hanging inside the vehicle that would have obstructed the view of the operator prior to the collision. MV1 was removed from the roadway by Tody's Towing. MV2 (MA MVN: MP494B) had substantial front end damage and was inoperable. The impact from the collision caused the vehicle to spin uncontrolled and the final rest, with the front end of the vehicle facing the front entrance to the 7-11 (S). The vehicle's final rest was on the sidewalk in front of 612 Washington Street. The front and side impact airbags had deployed inside the vehicle as a result of the collision. I did not observe anything hanging inside the vehicle that would have obstructed the view of the operator prior to the collision. MV2 was removed from the roadway by Tody's Towing. The Officer involved in the crash is Officer Katelyn Pohlman. Officer Pohlman stated she was operating Newton Police marked unit N494 on Washington Street (E) past Crafts Street. Officer Pohlman stated as she was operating her vehicle past 612 Washington Street (7-11), a vehicle in the westbound lane of Washington Street abruptly crossed the double yellow line in the roadway and entered her travel lane head-on. Officer Pohlman stated she did not have an opportunity to react to the vehicle in front of her and the front passenger side of MV1 crashed into the front end of her vehicle (MV2). Officer Pohlman sustained injuries to her left forehead area and both of her arms. Officer Pohlman was later transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital for evaluation and was released a short time later. It was reported to me by numerous Officers on scene that Officer Pohlman exited her cruiser after the crash and rather than tend to her own injuries, she focused her efforts on rendering aid to the operator of the other vehicle involved. Officer Pohlman found the operator of the other vehicle lying on the floor of the front passenger seat under the dash. Officer Pohlman rendered aid to the operator while waiting for Newton Medics to arrive. Officer Pohlman was also assisted in rendering aid to the other operator by Officer Conary and Officer Larson. Officer Larson reported that while interacting with the operator of MV1, the operator repeated numerous times, "Is she ok? Is she ok?". Officer Larson also stated the operator said to him "I feel bad because I was texting on my phone". Officer Larson stated the operator of MV1 works for the Department of Corrections Special Operations Unit and has Department issues equipment inside the vehicle. The following items were placed into Support Services, locker 9 for safekeeping by Officer Larson: 1 Gray Pelican Gun Case, 1 Black Gun Belt, 1 Taser, 1 Can OC Spray, 15 (50) Round Cases Of Ammunition. The operator of MV1 (MA: 586RT7) was identified as Mr. David Cafarelli (S16965940). Mr. Cafarelli was transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital for a potential head injury before my arrival. I spoke with Mr. Cafarelli at Newton Wellesley Hospital in the Emergency Room with Sgt. Wade. Mr. Cafarelli's mother and father were present when we spoke with him. Mr. Cafarelli stated he was out with friends before the crash and was driving to the 7-11 on Washington Street. Mr. Cafarelli admitted that before the crash, he had his cell phone in his hand while he was operating his vehicle. Mr. Cafarelli stated he does not remember if he was texting or changing the music on his phone at the time of the crash. Mr. Cafarelli stated he looked up and was unable to avoid the vehicle (N494) directly in front of him. Mr. Cafarelli stated he also does not believe he applied his brakes before the collision. When we spoke with Mr. Cafarelli in the Emergency Room, he was still waiting for test results to determine the severity of his injuries. On Monday, August 23, 2021, Sgt. Wade responded to 612 Washington Street, Newton to retrieve surveillance footage from the 7-11 of the crash. 7-11 stated their outside surveillance system was not operating correctly, but they were able to capture some of the incident from a camera inside the store. I observed this footage. MV1 is observed traveling on Washington Street (W) in the westbound travel lane in front of the storefront. MV1's driver side is then observed traveling over the double yellow line in the middle of the roadway and into the eastbound lane of Washington Street. A head on collision ensues and MV1 can be seen rotating counterclockwise in the roadway backwards to its final rest location on Washington Street. MV2 is then observed at its final rest position on the sidewalk facing southbound in front of the 7-11 storefront. After completing my investigation, I have surmised the following. Mr. Cafarelli was operating his 2015 Ford Explorer (MA: 586RT7) in the area of 612 Washington Street, Newton. Mr. Cafarelli was holding his cell phone in his hand while operating his vehicle. Mr. Cafarelli became distracted while he was operating his vehicle due to his attention being focused on his cell phone. Mr. Cafarelli traveled over the double yellow line from the westbound lane of Washington Street and entered the eastbound lane of Washington Street. Newton Police marked unit N494 was traveling on Washington Street (E) in the area of 612 Washington Street at this time. Mr. Cafarelli's vehicle crashed into the front end of Newton Police marked unit N494. Mr. Cafarelli was not wearing a seatbelt and as a result of the impact from the crash, he was ejected from the driver seat and his final rest inside the vehicle was in the flood of the front passenger seat. As a result of my investigation, Mr. Cafarelli was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation for Chapter 90, Section 13B (Hands-Free Violation), Chapter 89, Section 4a (Marked Lanes Violation), and Chapter 90, Section 13a (Seat Belt Violation). Photos from the crash scene and the surveillance media from 7-11 capturing the crash were submitted to the IT Bureau.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2022 while assigned to unit N491, I responded to the area of 275 Washington Street, Newton for a report of a MVA involving a tractor trailer. Washington Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. The operator of MV1, Mr. Michael Donovan (S45451533), stated he was operating his 2014 PTRB 388 Tractor Truck (MA: 1AB55A) on Washington Street (S) past One Newton Place. Mr. Donovan stated he came to a stop at the red light at this intersection and was intending on proceeding straight onto the I-90 (W) onramp. Mr. Donovan stated his vehicle was affixed to a 2009 trailer (ME: 2373708) at the time of the crash. Mr. Donovan stated as the light at the intersection turned green, he proceeded to travel forward and the passenger side of his trailer crashed into a vehicle stopped in the roadway to his right. The two vehicle became stuck due to the impact. Mr. Donovan reported no injuries. I observed minor damage to the middle passenger side area of the trailer Mr. Donovan was towing. The operator of MV2, Mr. Christopher Berganti (S43175732), stated he was operating his 2018 Kia Stinger (MA: 722XV4) on Washington Street (S) past One Newton Place. Mr. Berganti stated he merged into the left lane at the intersection to continue straight onto the I-90 (W) onramp. Mr. Berganti believe the travel lane at the intersection near the light was for two lanes of travel. As the light turned green, the vehicle to his left (MV1), began to travel straight through the intersection. Due to the length of the tractor trailer, as it was navigating it's way through the travel lane it's passenger side crashed into entire length of MV2's driver side. Mr. Berganti stated he attempted to pull to the right prior to impact but was unsuccessful. Mr. Berganti reported no injuries. I observed significant damage to the entire driver side of MV2. MV2 was removed from the roadway by Tody's towing. It should be noted in the area where the crash occurred, it is wide enough to support two lanes of travel but it is not lined. Traffic was observed occupying two lanes in this area but it is unclear due to a lack of markings whether or not it is intended to support 1 or 2 lanes of travel.

On Monday, May 9, 2022, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the area of 25 Berkshire Road, Newton, for a report of an MVA involving a City of Newton owned street sweeper and a City of Newton contracted school bus. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Berkshire Road is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The operator of MV1, Mr. Norman Fryar (S20854611), stated he was operating a City of Newton owned 2017 Elgn Pelican street sweeper (MA: MVN M96170) on Berkshire Road. Mr. Fryar stated as he was sweeping the street he was in the Eastbound lane traveling North. Mr. Fryar stated there was a vehicle parked ahead of him and to avoid it he began to change lanes to his left to go around it. Mr. Fryar stated as he was chaning lanes his phone was ringing and as he reached for the phone the driver side of his sweeper crashed into the front passenger side of a passing school bus. Mr. Fryar reported no injuries. I observed damage to the driver side of the sweeper. I spoke with the operator of MV2, Ms. Ana Mendes (S72311538). Ms. Mendes stated she was operating a City of Newton contracted school bus (MA: BU44536) on Berkshire Road with 25 students on board with a final destination of Bigelow Middle School. Ms. Mendes stated she was traveling North on Berkshire Road when she observed a street sweeper in front of her. Ms. Mendes stated she entered the Westbound land of Berkshire Road to go around the street sweeper. Ms. Mendes stated as she was passing the street sweeper, it made an abrupt left turn and it's driver side crashed into the front passenger side door/mirror of the school bus. Ms. Mendes reported no injuries. I observed moderate damage to the passegner side of MV2. After the initial crash, it was reported by both parties that MV1 attempted to back up to allow students to exit the bus through the passenger side door. As MV1 was backing up, it crashed into the middle passenger side of the school bus. There were 25 Bigelow Middle School students on the bus at the time of the crash. Ms. Mendes state she contacted her dispatch for further instructions on what to do with the students. Ms. Mendes stated to Sgt. Wade that the Eastern Bus Company dispatch instructed her to keep the students on the bus and wait for Police and EMS to arrive. Ms. Mendes stated after speaking with her dispatch, another school bus arrived at the scene. The decision was made by Ms. Mendes to have the students exit her school bus and be transported to Bigelow Middle School prior to my arrival. Ms. Mendes was advised in the future to follow the policy set forth by her Eastern Bus Company, the City of Newton, and the Newton Police Department. After clearing Berkshire Road, myself and Sgt. M. Wade responded to the Bigelow Middle School to check on the welfare of the students that were on the bus at the time of the crash. We were greeted by the school's Asssitant Principle Mr. Lucas Mogensen. Mr. Mogensen stated all of the students that were on the bus at the time of the crash were staged on the bus when it arrived at the school. Mr. Mogensen stated the school nurse Ms. Shannon Loughnane evaluated each student as they exited the bus and there were no injuries reported at this time.

On Thursday, May 26, 2022, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to 466 Woodward Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a City of Newton owned vehicle. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Woodward Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. I spoke with the operator of MV1, Mr. Alessandro Marini (S65112681). Mr. Marini was operating a City of Newton owned 2016 Ford F350 (MA MVN: M98136) in the area of the Bank of America on Woodward Street. Mr. Marini stated as he was traveling the passenger side door mirror of his vehicle made very minor contact with the driver door mirror of a vehicle parked to the right side of the roadway. No injuries were reported by Mr. Marini or his passenger. I observed minor damage to the driver side door mirror of MV1. Mr. Marini is an employee of the City of Newton DPW. I then spoke with the operator of MV2, Ms. Kasia Hollins (S78643620). Ms. Hollins stated he was parked in 2006 Toyota Highlander (MA: 81N570) across from the Bank of America on Woodward Street (W) when MV1 traveled by her driver side and made contact with the front driver side door of her vehicle. Ms. Hollins reported no injuries. I observed minor damage to the front driver side door mirror of MV2. Photos of both vehicles were submitted to the IT Bureau.

On Friday, June 24, 2022, while assigned to unit N492, I responded to the area of Lowell Avenue and Otis Street for a report of a MVA involving a Feeney construction vehicle. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. Lowell Avenue and Otis Street are both public ways maintained by the City of Newton. The operator of MV1, Mr. Richard Holmes (S34147311), stated he was operating a 2021 CAT 420 Backhoe (MA CON: W35648) is the area of 297 Lowell Avenue (S). Mr. Holmes stated he was transporting a portable restroom in the front bucket to another location on their job site. Mr. Holmes stated a vehicle was traveling towards him on Lowell Avenue (N) and he moved over to the right side of the road to create more room on the roadway for both vehicles. Mr. Holmes stated at this time the front passenger side of the backhoe's bucket area crashed into the rear of an unoccupied vehicle parked in front of 297 Lowell Avenue (S). I observed minor damage to the bucket area of the backhoe. No injuries were reported by Mr. Holmes. The owner of MV2, Mr. Michael Fedas (S87986062), was advised that his 2019 Kia Forte (MA: 3ZDV69) was involved in the crash. I observed moderate damage to the rear driver side area of MV2. Mr. Fedas was working in the area in his official capacity as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service.