Driver who fatally struck I-93 highway worker charged with motor vehicle homicide
The man who struck and killed a highway worker on I-93 while allegedly driving drunk was arraigned on several charges Tuesday including motor vehicle homicide, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.
James Scoville, 31, of Chelmsford, was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor, operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and a violation for obstructing a stationary emergency vehicle in connection with the fatal crash.
Scoville struck the worker just before 3 a.m. Tuesday on I-93 in Medford, according to the DA’s office. The victim, Thomas O’Day, 52, of East Bridgewater, was on foot retrieving traffic cones in the area between on-and-off ramps when he was hit, according to Jacquelyn Goddard, MassDOT’s communications director.
O’Day worked for HiWay Safety Systems Inc., a firm with a MassDOT district-wide pavement marking contract, Goddard said.
Scoville also hit a company truck, injuring a 33-year-old Taunton man, who suffered minor injuries, according to police. Scoville was driving a 2012 Fiat 500 when he struck the victims. A work zone safety setup was in place at the time of the crash, according to Goddard.
Massachusetts State Police are investigating the incident.
Judge Maurice Flynn ordered Scoville held on $2,500 bail in Somerville District Court. His driver’s license has been suspended. His next hearing is scheduled for August 2.
The fatal crash in Medford was the second Greater Boston incident involving a collision between drivers and highway workers in as many days. On Monday, a MassDOT worker was hit by a suspected drunk driver on the Mass. Pike just before Exit 24. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
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