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Woman who ran over pedestrian at South Bay Mall had 15 used needles in handbag, authorities say
The woman, who is facing multiple charges, reportedly blamed the crash on her sister who is autistic.
A woman who was allegedly under the influence of drugs ran over another woman in Dorchester’s South Bay Mall parking lot on Saturday, authorities say.
Ariella Bezan, 25, of South Boston, has been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs causing serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. At her initial arraignment Tuesday, Bezan’s bail was set at $1,500, and she was ordered to complete a drug treatment program. She is due back in court Sept. 24.
Officers responded to a report of the crash at about 5 p.m. Saturday. They found the 42-year-old victim lying on her back next to a white Ford Explorer. Per the DA’s office:
While on scene, the driver of the Ford Explorer, later identified as Bezan, stumbled toward officers in a hysterical crying state. Bezan appeared erratic and unsteady on her feet with visible bruising on her arms consistent with an intravenous drug user. Bezan told officers that her sister, who is autistic, grabbed the steering wheel while she was backing out of a parking space, causing her to run a person over.
A witness reported seeing the Explorer reverse at a high rate of speed then strike and run over the victim, with one of the tires rolling over her chest. A second witness told police he stood in front of the car to keep the driver from running over the victim a second time.
The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening.
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In Bezan’s vehicle, officers allegedly found a handbag with about 15 used needles and drug paraphernalia on the driver’s seat floor.
“I wish the victim in this case a full and speedy recovery,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement, “and I am grateful for the witnesses who provided important information on what happened, and in particular the witness who placed himself in front of the car to prevent further injury, or worse, to the victim.”
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