James M. Spinney, Chief of Police
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 29, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: [email protected]
Chelmsford Police to Charge Unlicensed Teen Driver in Multi-Car Crash that Injured Six, Including Two Young Children
CHELMSFORD — Deputy Police Chief Dan Ahern reports that the Chelmsford Police Department will charge a teenage driver after a Thursday afternoon three-car crash that resulted in serious injuries to an 8-year-old child.
ALEXANDRE FREITAS, AGE 19, OF CHELMSFORD will be charged with Operating to Endanger, Speeding, Marked Lanes Violations, and Operating without a License, and Chelmsford Police that additional charges may be added as the investigation concludes.
On Thursday, at about 2:14 p.m., a Chelmford Police Officer was driving southbound on North Road near Technology Drive when he heard the sound of screeching tires, followed by a loud crash at the intersection, on Technology Drive. The officer responded and immediately called for emergency medical services and the Chelmsford Fire Department as he discovered a head-on crash, with a third vehicle involved, and people trapped inside at least one of the vehicles.
An investigation showed that a 2001 blue Ford Focus driven by FREITAS was traveling at a high rate of speed, crossing the double yellow line multiple times before striking a gray 2012 Ford Focus head-on. The force of the crash also spread into a 2005 Toyota Camry driving near the 2012 Ford.
The three occupants of the 2012 Ford, a 35-year-old Tyngsborough woman and her two sons, ages 6 and 8 were injured. The mother and 6-year-old were taken by Trinity Ambulance to Lowell General Hospital. The 8-year-old was transported to a Boston hospital by medical helicopter for injuries that were considered serious but not believed to be life-threatening.
FREITAS’S two passengers were also taken to Lowell General Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota declined medical attention.
“We allege that this 3-vehicle crash was caused by an unlicensed driver, who was speeding, unable to maintain his lane, and never should have been allowed behind the wheel,” Deputy Ahern said. “Six people, including two children, were injured because of the suspect’s actions.”
Police have seized the suspect’s cell phone and will be conducting a forensic examination to determine if he was texting or using his phone at the time of the crash.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section is assisting in the investigation. The crash remains under investigation by the Chelmsford Police Department.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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