Massachusetts

Alleged OUI Driver in Fatal Bridgewater Motorcycle Crash Held Without Bail

The driver allegedly responsible for the fatal collision had a 7-year-old boy in the car

A Massachusetts man involved in a fatal Bridgewater crash, who authorities say was driving under the influence of drugs, was ordered held without bail on Friday.

Anthony Hathaway, 29, of Whitman, appeared in Brockton District Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of drugs, OUI drugs, endangering a child while operating under the influence of drugs, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.

Authorities said Hathaway drove his Toyota Camry over the center line on Route 18 in Bridgewater Thursday morning to pass another vehicle and crashed head-on into seventy-one-year-old Brockton resident Richard Silva, who was on a motorcycle.

Silva was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton where he later died.

Hathaway, who police said had his girlfriend's 7-year-old son in the car, was arrested at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

After the crash, witnesses said Hathaway's speech was slurred, there was foam on his mouth and he didn't realize what happened.

"He seemed like he was under the influence of something when we talked to him so when you’re under the influence of something you will have idea what’s going on," said Richard Ellis of Bridgewater Auto Body.

In court, prosecutors mentioned Hathaway has a lengthy criminal history.

"The defendant has had 27 convictions and 45 probation violations in less than 10 years," said Danielle Cruz, Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney.

Hathaway's attorney said there’s no evidence Hathaway was on drugs. He also said the hood of his car had popped up before the deadly crash which happened right in front of Bridgewater Auto Body.

"Looking at a scene like that yesterday, I don’t want to ever, ever, ever see that again," said Paul Mancinelli of Bridgewater Auto Body.

Police announced late Friday afternoon they were seeking the driver of a silver sedan who may have witnessed the crash. Authorities are hoping that driver can provide more details.

Drugged driving license revocations are up 65 percent in the last three years, according to an investigation by NBC10 Boston reporter Ally Donnelly.

Silva's family appeared in court but declined comment saying the incident was still too raw.

Hathaway was ordered held without bail and is due back in court next week for a dangerousness hearing.

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