Crime

Off-duty state trooper charged, fired following fatal crash in Boston

Kristopher Carr, 25, of Monson, had just graduated from the academy last week and was in the probationary period of his employment.

By Arianna MacNeill

1 minute to read

An off-duty state police trooper who had just graduated from the academy last week was involved in a fatal crash with a motorcyclist early Friday morning in Boston, and he’s being charged.

Kristopher Carr, 25, of Monson, is being charged with vehicular homicide while operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, state police said in a press release. His arraignment is planned for Friday in Dorchester District Court.

Carr was relieved of his state police duties; state police planned to fire him Friday. He was in the probationary period of his employment — state police spokesman David Procopio said that lasts for one year. He was assigned to the Westfield barracks.

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It was around 1:30 a.m. that state police stationed in Boston were called to a crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle on I-93 near the Freeport Street exit, the release said.

Police believe that Carr, who was driving the 2020 Ford Explorer, lost control of the vehicle. It struck the median barrier and came to rest perpendicular on the two lanes farthest to the left on the highway, they said.

Carr, along with a female passenger, got out of the vehicle and were outside when a 1976 Honda CB750F motorcycle, operated by Christopher Zike, 51, of Winthrop, struck the SUV, according to police. Zike was rushed to Boston Medical Center and pronounced dead.

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“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Zike’s life and express our condolences to his family,” State Police Col. Christopher Mason said in the release. “Upon responding to the incident Troopers immediately began an investigation that ultimately led to the determination that the probationary member was responsible and that criminal charges were warranted. We also immediately relieved him of duty and then terminated his employment as his actions, as indicated by the evidence, are in direct violation of the standards of integrity, conduct, and professionalism demanded by the Department.”

Carr was treated for possible minor injuries at Massachusett General Hospital and released to state police custody. The female passenger also had a minor injury, according to authorities.

The investigation continues, state police said.

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