Officer faces citation hearing in fatal High St. crash
By Mike BergerState Police have issued three citations to Stoughton Police Sergeant Paul Williams after completing its investigation into the fatal motor vehicle accident on High Street on February 10.
Williams, 48, of Stoughton, was identified as the operator of the pickup truck that struck and killed 74-year-old High Street resident Ralph Hawkins.
Williams faces citations for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation. He is due to face a clerk magistrate on May 2 in Dedham District Court to determine the next step in the legal process.
The citation announcement was made by Gregg Milliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. While the incident took place in Norfolk County, David Traub, spokesman for the Norfolk DA’s Office, said an agreement was made that “any charging decisions and any potential court activity would be overseen and handled by the Bristol DA’s Office in order to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.”
Similarly, Traub had indicated in an earlier interview that State Police detectives were asked to lead the investigation in an effort to “remove any speculation based on the relationship between the [neighboring police] departments.”
The accident occurred around 11:15 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, February 10. Williams, who was driving a 2016 white GMC Sierra pickup truck and was off-duty at the time, reportedly left the roadway and crossed over the lawn at 145 High Street. He then continued across the lawn at 147 High Street before striking Hawkins, who was standing in the driveway assisting a neighbor. Williams was uninjured while Hawkins was airlifted to Boston Medical and later pronounced dead.
The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS) conducted the investigation.
Under state law, a conviction for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide requires the prosecution to prove that the operator was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that he or she was driving recklessly or negligently. The offense carries a minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum of two and a half years; a fine of up to $3,000; and loss of license for a period of 15 years.
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Mar 29 2018. Filed under News, Police & Fire.
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