John G. Smith Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the elderly man who lost his life in a hit-and-run crash involving a driver who was attempting to flee from police in the Stoughton area over the weekend. The fatal incident occurred Saturday afternoon and remains under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, the victim was an 84-year-old resident of Stoughton. He was driving a sedan when it was struck by a pickup truck during a police pursuit. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital following the crash, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators said the driver of the pickup truck, a man in his mid-20s from Brockton, is facing multiple serious charges related to the incident. Prosecutors allege that the suspect failed to stop for police, caused a fatal crash, and fled the scene afterward. Charges include motor vehicle homicide, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, and several other offenses connected to injuries, property damage, and evading law enforcement.
Officials stated that the sequence of events began when police officers attempted to stop the pickup truck after receiving reports that it was being operated in a dangerous manner. When the driver refused to pull over, officers initiated a pursuit that continued into a neighboring community. During the pursuit, the pickup truck collided with a sedan at a local intersection.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported the sedan’s driver and an elderly female passenger to a hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that the driver later died as a result of his injuries. The female passenger remained hospitalized with injuries that were still being treated at last report.
Following the collision, police said the driver of the pickup truck and another individual exited the vehicle and ran from the scene. Officers were able to detain one of the individuals shortly afterward, and that person was later turned over to police from the city where the pursuit originated.
Law enforcement agencies then launched an extensive search for the fleeing driver. The search involved local officers, specially trained K-9 units, and aerial support from state police. After several hours, officers located and arrested the suspect at a public park within the community.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is expected to appear in court to face the charges connected to the crash and the police pursuit. Prosecutors noted that additional details will be presented during court proceedings.
Officials have not said whether the passenger who was in the pickup truck at the time of the crash will face any criminal charges. That aspect of the case remains under review as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Multiple agencies are participating in the ongoing investigation, including state police crash reconstruction teams, local police departments, and the district attorney’s office. Investigators are analyzing physical evidence, reviewing reports, and reconstructing the events leading up to the fatal collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations involving police pursuits and fatal crashes are complex and require careful review. As a result, officials said it may take time before all findings are finalized and publicly released.
Law enforcement officials expressed condolences to the victim’s family and acknowledged the significant impact the tragedy has had on the community. They also reiterated the dangers associated with fleeing from police and reckless driving, noting that such actions can have devastating consequences for innocent people.
At this time, no further information has been released. Authorities said updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and court proceedings move forward.
