crash_reports

On 01/31/19 at 10:39 hours, I responded to the parking lot of the Jewish Community Center located at 333 Nahanton Street for a motor vehicle hit and run accident. The parking lot is accessible to the public and designed for vehicles to travel to and from the JCC. Owner of M/V 1 states she was parked on the side of the handicapped parking stall thinking it was ok to park there. She then ran in to the JCC for approximately one minute and when she returned she observed her driver's side front door was struck. I observed significant damage to the door frame and the door would not close. The owner called for a private tow to remove the vehicle. The staff at the JCC stated that a Martha Bixby gave her number and stated that she observed a black colored car with MA reg. # 934HH4 strike M/V 1. I attempted to call the number and left a message. The listing for that plate comes back to a 2010 Lexus ES350 color gray. I was then showed the video surveillance from the JCC's cameras and it shows an older white female exiting the lobby wearing a winter hat and carrying a bag with purple flower designs on it. She then walks through the lot and enters a gray Lexus ES350. The Lexus then starts backing out of the spot. The Lexus then continues backwards in to the other side of the parking stalls and strikes M/V 1 on the driver's side front door. The Lexus then pulls forward and leaves the scene without stopping or providing her information. As the Lexus is leaving, you can see there is a dent to the driver's side rear bumper. The video is not clear enough to see the plate on the Lexus or clearly see the operator's face. After, I located a number for the owner of the Lexus M/V 2 (Tania Lefman). I spoke to Lefman on the phone and she stated that she was backing out of the JCC parking lot at that time and felt a tiny bump to her rear end. She says that she could not stop in time due to the icy parking lot and then left the area thinking that nothing was wrong, it was only minor. I advised her there was significant damage to the other car. She was issued and mailed MA Uniform Citation T1441054 for Ch. 90/24/C Leaving the scene of property damage.

On 04/23/19 at approximately 14:35 Officer Gabriel and I responded to #150 Needham St- The Upper Falls Discount Liquor Store for a crash involving two vehicles. Veh #2 backed into parked veh #1. There was slight damage to veh #1 but moderate damage to veh #2. It was later determined operator of veh #2 was operating under the influence of alcohol when she backed into parked veh #1. Veh #2 was towed from the scene by Tody's towing after Officer Gabriel completed a towed vehicle form. Veh #2 registration was queried and came back revoked for insurance. The operator of veh #2 was arrested (NPD Report #19015765) and given in hand Mass. Citation's # T1444225 and T1444226 for Ch 90/Sec 24/J-O.U.I. Liquor, Ch 90 / Sec 24/E- Negligent Operation of a M.V., Ch 90/ Sec 34/J- Operating with out Insurance and Ch 90/ Sec 23 Operating after Registration Revocation.

On 11/12/2019 at 12:26 hours, I responded to the Star Market parking lot located at 2040 Commonwealth Avenue for a motor vehicle pedestrian accident. The parking lot is a public/thru way that motorists use to access the Star Market along with other businesses. The weather at the time was cloudy and rainy and the parking lot was saturated. Prior to my arrival, the pedestrian involved left the scene and did not want to speak to the officer nor wanted medical attention. Ofc. Claflin then cancelled Cataldo Ambulance. The pedestrian, Mary Alexander, left her information with a store employee prior to leaving. I spoke to the operator of MV # 1 (Joshua Randel MD Lic.# R534440603244) who stated that he was travelling through the third row of the Star Market parking lot at an appropriate speed. He was then attempting to make a left turn near the entrance/exit of the store. He says that there was a large white van parked in the end handicapped spot towards the left of him. He says the van was sticking out in the spot limiting his visibility. As he was half way through his left turn and coming around the corner, he was not able to see a pedestrian pushing a shopping carriage. He then struck the carriage that was being pushed by Mary Alexander. He further says that the cart jolted Ms. Alexander and she fell down to the ground. At the time, Alexander was walking through the lot near the store entrance heading back towards the parked cars. She was not in the crosswalk at the time which was approximately ten feet down from her location. After, I attempted to go to Ms. Alexander's residence to follow up. I spoke to her friend who was bringing up Alexander's groceries and she stated that she decided to go to Newton Wellesley Hospital for treatment. I then spoke to Ms. Alexander in the lobby of the hospital. She stated that she was exiting the store through the lot with her shopping carriage. She believes she was approximately eight feet away from the door when all of a sudden she only saw red coming at her. She believes MV # 1 was speeding at the time. I asked her if she was struck by the vehicle or was the shopping carriage only struck. She replied that she did not know and only remembers falling to the ground after. She sustained a large bruise to the inside palm area of her right hand and her left knee was swollen. Digital photos of the scene were taken and pictures of Ms. Alexander's injuries were taken at the hospital. As far as possible video surveillance, I was told that the Loss Prevention Department has to access the video. On 11/13/19 at approximately 14:20 hours, I went in to the Star Market and spoke to the manager, Nidal Rajeh, inquiring about possible video surveillance. He said there is coverage in the parking lot and he was able to show me the video. A copy of the video would have to be done by Loss Prevention which I requested. I observed at the 12:12pm mark in the video, MV # 1 was parked five spots up from the third row of the lot that he was exiting. I also observed a white transport van parked in the end handicapped spot mentioned by the operator but it was parked correctly and not limiting visibility. Next, MV # 1 backs out of the spot and drives forward going at a reasonable speed. The pedestrian (Alexander) has already exited the store with her carriage and is walking at an angle toward the same third row of parked cars. As the pedestrian is walking towards the direction of MV # 1, it appears that the pedestrian should be visible to him. MV # 1 then starts to take the left turn around the corner without slowing or stopping and strikes the carriage head on. Due to the impact, Alexander then loses grasp of the carriage and it goes past her twisting her body around. She then hits and rolls up on the hood of the vehicle on her left side. MV # 1 then suddenly stops and immediately gets out and provides assistance to the pedestrian. Due to the video surveillance, Mr. Randel will be issued/mailed MA Uniform Citation # T2012347 for Ch. 90/14/A Failure to slow for a pedestrian.

OPMV#1 Was parked in the parking lot of Marshals located at 260 Needham St when she was attempting to exit her vehicle. When the OPMV#1 opened her car door, the door was struck by the OPMV#2. OPMV#1 Stated she was exiting her car and another vehicle wiped into the spot next to her. OPMV#2 Was attempting to pull into a parking spot in the Marshals parking lot located at 260 Needham St when she struck the left drivers side door of the OPMV#1. OPMV#2 Stated the person parked in the spot didn't even check to see if it was clear to open her car door before she pulled into her spot. OPMV#2 Was issued MA UNIFORM CITATION#T1442156 M.G.L. C.90 S.10 Unlicensed Operation. See INCIDENT REPORT#19049296.

On 09/21/20 at 14:46 hours, I (Traffic Unit # 523) responded to the parking lot of 88 Chestnut Street for a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The weather at the time was 60 degrees ( localconditions.com) and the sky was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. The parking lot is a thru way that the public use to enter/exit the lot or park there. On arrival at the same time with the Fire and Medics, I observed a female laying in the middle of the lot facing down on her back. A small red and gray CVS like type shopping carriage was knocked over and resting on it's side in front of the victim's head. The carriage was moved to the side in order to tend to the victim I also observed a black Honda Civic bearing MA reg.# 3741TW that was involved in the accident. The Honda was out of the parking spot resting approximately two feet away from the pedestrian's legs. I then spoke to the pedestrian identified as Darla Gipson in the rear of the ambulance. She sustained an abrasion to her front left shoulder and arm area which I observed. She also complained of left knee and elbow pain. She stated that she walking through the middle of the parking lot pushing the carriage by the door entrance in a westerly direction towards Chestnut Street. She states that she never saw a vehicle backing up and then she was suddenly struck and believes she was pushed underneath the vehicle. She was then transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital by Cataldo Ambulance. I then spoke to the operator of the Honda Civic identified as Linda Burke (MA S70320414). Ms. Burke was parked in the first spot to the right of the walkway that leads to the entrance/exit doorway. I asked her what occurred and she stated that she was backing her vehicle up to exit the parking lot when she looked behind her not seeing anything in sight. She then started backing up and struck the pedestrian without realizing it. She says the driver of a green cab and his female customer who were no longer on scene were yelling at her to stop her vehicle because the pedestrian was underneath it. She then stopped her vehicle. I observed minor scrapes to the entire rear bumper of the vehicle so it is unknown where it actually struck the pedestrian/carriage. I observed no obvious signs of damage to the carriage. It should be noted that Ms. Burke's Honda does not have a back up camera or back up sensors. There are no surveillance cameras to the apartment complex and no witnesses came forward for the accident. As a result of the investigation, Ms. Burke will be issued Uniform Citation # T1271069 for Newton City Ordinance 19-75 Failure To Use Care in Backing. Digital photos were taken by me of the scene.

Motor vehicle 1 (MV1) was parked facing northbound in the parking lot of 98 Winchester Street ( Tedeschis), when an unknown motor vehicle 2 (MV2) crashed into the rear passengers side of MV1, and then left the area. It is unknown if MV2 backed into MV1 or hit MV1 head on. As a result of the crash, MV 1 sustained moderate passengers side rear end damage. An unknown witness told the owner of MV1 that the vehicle involved was a dark colored VW sedan with a MA registration of 826PHL, however, this registration number does not come back to a VW. The Tedeschis does have cameras facing the parking lot, however, the employee working at the time of the crash did not have access to them and advised that the manager would be able access the footage tomorrow. On Monday, May 3, 2021, I investigated a Hit and Run crash that occurred at 98 Winchester Street, Newton on May 2, 2021 (Crash#2100000303). I responded to Tedeschi's located at 98 Winchester Street, Newton in an attempt to recover surveillance footage of the crash. I spoke with the owner who allowed me access to review footage from the date and time of the crash. At approximately 1223 hours a black/dark blue Volkswagon sedan is observed entering the Tedeschi's parking lot from Dedham Street (N). The vehicle is observed taking a wide left turn around another vehicle that enters the parking lot from the Winchester Street entrance (E). The front passenger side bumper/fender area of the Volkswagon crashes into the rear passengers side of MV1 (NY: HXZ4415). The Volkswagon is then observed leaving the parking lot (W) out of the Winchester Street side of the lot. The Volkswagon then leaves view of the camera. The Volkswagon's back rear window has white lettering on the bottom. I searched CopLink for registration matches from the Newton area that contain characteristic from the reported registration provided by a witness. MA: 826PH4 comes back to a blue Volkswagon Passat registered to Ms. Joanne Medoff (S95046822) with an address out of 115 Upland Avenue, Newton. This address is 0.1 miles away from where the crash took place. I arrived at 115 Upland Avenue and observed a dark colored Volkswagon Passat (MA: 826PH4) parked in the driveway. This vehicle had moderate recent damage to it's front passenger side bumper/fender area that would be consistent with the crash from Tedeschi's. This vehicle also had the same white lettering present on the bottom of the rear window as the vehicle in the surveillance footage. I rang the doorbell to this address and spoke with Mr. Colby Medoff (S13831145). Mr. Medoff stated the vehicle in the driveway is his but it is registered to his mother. Ms. Medoff came to the door and I explained the circumstances for me speaking with them. After speaking to Mr. Medoff, he admitted to being the operator of the Volkswagon when it crashed into the rear passenger side of MV1. I asked Mr. Medoff why he did not stop and provide his information to the owner of the other vehicle. Mr. Medoff stated he was scared. Mr. Medoff was provided with Massachusetts Uniform Citation 990226AA in hand for Chapter 90, Section 24 (Leaving the Scene of Property Damage). Mr. Medoff was advised. Photos of the Volkswagon and media from the Tedeschi's surveillance footage were submitted to the IT Bureau. Mr. Medoff's information was added to this report to reflect him being the operator of MV2. I contacted the party in possession of MV1, Mr. Jason Medley, and advised him. The parking lot of Tedeschi's is private property but the public does have a right of access to the property.

MV1 owner states they were alerted by the bouncer at 107R Union St that their vehicle had been hit. Bouncer, Steven Raveri, states he witnessed a BMW back into MV1 in the alley behind Thistle and Leek and then leave the scene. Another worker from Thistle and Leek, Christian McNeill, states he witnessed a BMW back into the Subaru more than once attempting to turn around before leaving the alley. I observed paint damage on the rear end of the Subaru. Steven was able to take a picture of the BMWs plate (NY: MD60330) before it left. I was able to find the vehicles information and two phone numbers for the registered owner. I will be contacting them on my next tour of duty. Traffic Bureau update (Officer Gaudet): On Thursday, May 27, 2021, I was able to make contact with the registered owner of MV2. Mr. Stephen Gorfine (NY: 392 858 797) stated he was operating his 2007 BMW 750 (NY: 60330) at the time and location of the crash. Mr. Gorfine stated he was not aware he was involved in a crash. I explained to Mr. Gorfine that two witnesses observed his vehicle crash into MV1 as it was parked unoccupied. Mr. Gorfine stated he has hit many cars in the past and has been hit himself. Mr. Gorfine did not appear to understand the brevity of causing damage to MV1 and not stopping to attempt to provide his information to the owner. Mr. Gorfine was advised and mailled Massachusetts Uniform Citaton 019187AB for Newton City Ordinance Chapter 19, Section 75 (Failure To Use Care).

On Monday, June 28, 2021, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I was entering my marked cruiser to leave the parking lot at the rear of 1321 Washington Street, Newton. The rear parking lot of the police station features a public right of access, but is restricted for authorized vehicle. There are signs posted at both entrances to the parking lot stating, "RESTRICTED AREA Newton Police Department Authorized Vehicles Only Beyond This Point. As I entered my cruiser, I observed a red 2020 Jeep Wrangler (CT: AX89516) parked directly across from my cruiser facing Eastbound. This vehicle was not parked in a marked parking spot and was the last vehicle in the parking lot from the Cherry Street entrance on the North side of the lot. I observed that the front bumper of this vehicle made contact with the rear bumper area of a parked 2018 Tesla Model 3 (EV3617 ). I exited my vehicle and walked over to the vehicles to investigate if a crash had occurred. I observed a black male party sitting in the front passenger seat of the Jeep. The driver seat was vacant. The Jeep had its driver door and passenger door windows rolled down. The vehicle was not running and there were no keys in the ignition. As I approached the passenger side door, the male passenger appeared to be asleep and I could detect a moderate odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from the passenger seat area. I woke up the passenger and inquired where the driver of the vehicle was. The passenger identified himself by his Connecticut ID as Masengo Kabongo (#178372788). Mr. Kabongo stated his cousin Marcel was the operator of the vehicle and they had pulled into their current parking spot so Marcel could run an errand. Mr. Kabongo stated he did not know where his cousin was, and he could not locate his phone to contact his cousin. I asked Mr. Kabongo if he was aware he was parked in the Newton Police Station parking lot and that the vehicle he was sitting in crashed into an employee's vehicle parked in front of them. Mr. Kabongo stated he was not aware. Mr. Kabongo appeared to be very confused with the situation and continued to state he did not know why they were there and where his cousin was. The registered owner of the Tesla arrived and assessed the damage to his vehicle. I observed minor damage to the rear bumper area to MV2. There was also minor damage to the front bumper of MV1. The owner of MV2 was able to review footage of the crash from his vehicles exterior surveillance system. While viewing this video with him, I observed MV1 enter the Newton Police Department parking lot from Cherry Street and pull right behind MV2. MV1 appeared to be occupied by two black males at this time. One in the passenger seat and one in the driver seat. MV1's front bumper area is then observed crashing into the rear bumper area of MV2. The Newton Police Department IT Bureau was able to observe the crash from a surveillance camera affixed to the Newton Police Department maintenance garage (facing Cherry Street). The video captures MV1 entering the parking lot and crashing into the rear of MV2. A black male with light colored shorts and a dark T-shirt is observed exiting the driver side door and walking away from the area up Cherry Street (S) to Washington Street. I explained to Mr. Kabongo that the crash was captured on our surveillance system and that his cousin appeared to be the operator. Mr. Kabongo stated his cousin was currently in Newton District Court being arranged for a previous incident (Report #21027283). I looked up recent bookings for NPD and I observed a party matching the name Mr. Kabongo provided. On Friday, June 25, 2021. Mr. Marcel Mengue-Ngoumou was arrested and cited by the Newton Police Department for OUI (Subsequent Offense), Negligent Operation, Marked Lanes, Open Container, and Unlicensed Operation. I contacted the Newton Police Department Court Prosecutor, Officer Hagopian, to see of Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou was still present in Newton District Court. Officer Hagopian stated he contacted the court and Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou was waiting to be arraigned. Myself and Officer Hagopian responded to Newton District Court to try and speak with Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou. Upon entering Session 1 in NDC, the lone individual sitting in the gallery was a party matching the description of the party from the surveillance footage. I spoke with Assistant District Attorney Nathan Stetson who was present in the court room. I apprised him of the current incident that Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou was involved in and told him I was going to speak with him. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou at this time was sitting on the second to last bench on the left side of Session 1 as you walk into the courtroom. The exit to the courtroom was behind him. I approached Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou from the front of the courtroom and explained to him that I had just spoken to his cousin in the parking lot of the Newton Police Department. I explained to him the vehicle his cousin was sitting in had crashed into a parked vehicle belonging to a Newton Police Department employee. I explained to Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou that his cousin had identified him as the operator of the vehicle. I then asked Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou who was operating the vehicle when they were traveling to court today. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou stated he was the operator. I asked Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou if he knew he had parked in the Newton Police Department parking lot. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou stated he did not. I asked Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou if he knew he crashed into a parked vehicle in the parking lot. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou stated he did not. I asked Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou if he knew he was not supposed to be operating a vehicle because of his incident from the other night and his license being suspended. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou stated he did. I apprised ADA Stetson to my conversation with Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou. Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation 054528AB in hand for Chapter 90, Section 23(K) (Operating a MV after suspension, subsequent offense), and Chapter 90, Section 24 (Leaving the Scene of Property Damage). Mr. Mengue-Ngoumou knowingly crashed into MV2, parked his vehicle, took the keys from the ignition, and left the area with out making an effort to contact the owner of MV2. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler from the crash was removed from the Newton Police Department parking lot by Tody's towing. A towed MV form was completed and submitted. Washington Street and Cherry Street are both public ways maintained by the City of Newton.

On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the Newton Centre Municipal Parking Lot (797 Beacon Street, Newton) for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian with a potential head injury. The weather at the time of the crash was cloudy and overcast. The road surface at the time of the crash was dry. The Newton Centre Municipal Parking Lot is open for public travel and use and is maintained by the City of Newton I spoke with the operator of the 2016 Audi 32 (MA: 4PL345) involved in the crash, Mr. Peter Schiller (S26414610). Mr. Schiller stated he entered the Newton Centre lot from Langley Road and made a right turn to enter the back row of parking stalls. Mr. Schiller stated he then took a left turn into the parking area to look for a spot. Mr. Schiller stated he did not see the pedestrian in the roadway in time and his vehicle's front end crashed into the pedestrian. Mr. Schiller estimated the crash happened right near the first car parked in the row closest to where he entered. I showed Mr. Schiller the believed area of impact was actually 3 car stalls in, and the crash occurred in the middle of the travel way. I asked Mr. Schiller if he has any medical conditions or takes any medication that would effect his ability to operator a motor vehicle. Mr. Schiller stated he does not. Mr. Schiller reported no injuries as a result of the crash. I observed very minor damage to the front hood/bumper/fender area of his vehicle from where the crash took place. I did observe soil covering the hood area. The injured pedestrian was carrying a plant with soil in the pot. I asked Mr. Schiller if he could recall where he made contact with the pedestrian or how the pedestrian ended up in front of his vehicle. Mr. Schiller stated he thought the injured pedestrian was running towards his car when the made his turn. I spoke with a witness that remained on scene, Mr. Nicholas Ryland. Mr. Ryland stated he was walking in the Newton Centre lot while pushing his daughter in her stroller. Mr. Ryland stated he observed MV1 enter the lot from Langley Road and took the right turn into the lot at a high rate of speed. Mr. Ryland stated he stopped with the stroller next to the first vehicle parked in the roadway where the last parking stalls begin. The MV1's driver side operated past Mr. Ryland's left side, took a left turn, and then Mr. Ryland stated he heard the crash. The crash took place in the middle of the roadway in between the parking stalls to the East and West of MV1. I responded to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston to follow up with the pedestrian injured in the crash, Ms. Sophia Alexandridies (S49399467). Ms. Alexandridies was transported to the emergency department by Fallon Medics with multiple injuries including a head injury. Due to Ms. Alexandridies's injuries, I was unable to obtain a statement from her about the events of the crash. I spoke with Ms. Alexandridies's daughter, Christina, in the emergency department. Christina stated Ms. Alexandridies suffered a head injury, along with possible broken ribs and an injury to her left shoulder. Most of the injuries reported are on Ms. Alexandridies's left side, the presumed area of impact with the vehicle. Due to the circumstances of this crash, and Mr. Schiller being involved in another surchargeable crash on April 28, 2021, a Request for Immediate Threat License Suspension was submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles at DCUImmediateThreat@massmail.state.ma.us. Mr. Schiller is also being cited with Massachusetts Uniform Citation 119853AB for Newton City Ordinance Chapter 19, Section 75 (Fail To Use Care). On September 2, 2021, I contacted Mr. Schiller to provide him with additional information about the crash. Mr. Schiller stated he did not realize Ms. Alexandridies was injuried in the crash. Mr. Schiller also stated he has no recollection of being involved in a crash in April. Mr. Schiller was advised to contact his insurance company to inquire about his last crash. Photos were taken of the area and MV1 and submitted to the IT Bureau. I canvassed the area for survellance footage of the crash with a negative result.

MV1 operator states she was pulling out of the Sunoco gas station when MV2 began backing up and struck the front driver side door of MV1. I observed damage to MV1 driver side door. MV2 operator states he was going to pull onto Rt.9 but due to size of vehicle, needed to back up to create more space. While backing vehicle, MV2 struck MV1. No injuries reported on scene. No tows needed. Operator of MV2, Luciano Pinheiro was cited for Unlicensed Operation c90s10. See incident report 21048567. A complaint app was filed and submitted. The parking lot is a location in which the public has access as invitees.

MV1 was parked in a parking spot in the parking lot behind Wegmans grocery store which is a parking lot accessible to the public. MV2 proceeded to back into the front end of MV1 while trying to enter a parking spot (see witnees statement.) There were no injuries and no vehicles were towed. A citation will be issued to the operator of MV1 for leaving the scene of property damage 90/24/C. Citation #T1445641

Vehicle 1 was parked in the parking lot of the Star Market at #33 Austin St when Vehicle 2 attempted to park in the adjacent parking space. While doing so, the front left corner of Vehicle 2 made contact with the driver's side rear door and rear quarter panel causing minor scratches to both vehicles. The operator of Vehicle 1 confronted the operator of Vehicle 2 who stated "You're crazy!" before going across the street to get coffee from Starbucks. When the operator of Vehicle 2 returned she apologized to the operator of Vehicle 1 but felt uncomfortable and left the area without providing her information to the other operator. The operator of Vehicle 2 was issued MA Uniform Citation #T1448098 for leaving the scene with property damage and an incident report was completed (See Report #22019777).There were no injuries due to this accident and neither vehicle was towed.