Jef Nickerson
A New Bedford man accused of hitting a pedestrian and leaving the scene may be facing further charges now that police have learned the victim didn’t survive injuries suffered during the crash.
Police said they were called to Herman Melville Boulevard in the area of Logan Street at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday. An eyewitness told them a person was hit in the middle of the street, then the suspect backed up and drove around the victim to flee the area.
WPRI: Pedestrian killed, man arrested in hit-and-run crash
Greater City Providence
Why hadn’t this dangerous driver faced stronger changes even before his victim died?
When a pedestrian or bicyclist is killed by a hit and run (or perhaps drunk) driver, there can be real penalties, but when it is “just an accident” caused by a careless driver (such as in the case of two pedestrians in crosswalks recently killed by motorists in Newport) it seems the penalty is at most “failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk” apparently an $85 fine for killing someone. I’ve tried to get that loophole closed wthout success.
Hi my name is Carolyn Lefort I am the sister of Kathleen Carpenter who was hit and killed by Casey Rondeau while walking on a sidewalk in Cumberland RI. I have lived in RI for almost 52 years and can not Believe the laws for killing a pedestrian!!! I have tried to get a bill passed with NO success. I need to start a petition of some kind to change these crazy laws! Saying things like it was just an accident Hurts the families greatly!Reading comments that the family does not blame him is Ridiculous WHO should we blame?? OH thats right a mechanical problem with his car (which was never found by the STATE mechanic). Just try to imagine if it was your child or wife ,sister, mother. How would you feel? The drivers are getting off with a slap on the wrist small fines simple traffic tickets. While the families are left with no justice. Please let me know if you would like to help or perhaps tell me your story if you have lost a loved one. My e-mail is cl41562@cox.net my phone number is [Edit removed by editor]. Thank you for Listening, Sincerely Carolyn Lefort