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Jul 16, 2008 5:09 pm US/Eastern
Police: Hit-And-Run Driver Was Texting
EASTON (WBZ) ―
A driver charged with a deadly hit-and-run in Easton over the weekend was allegedly text-messaging at the time of the crash.
Michael Faria, 32, of Stoughton, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday in Taunton District Court. He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail. He faces a number of charges, including motor vehicle homicide.
Prosecutors say Faria hit John McCarthy, 58, of Brockton, at 4:15 am Saturday on Route 138 and drove off. Faria allegedly told a friend he was texting at the time and may have hit someone, according to the police report. The mother of that friend called police at 4:41 a.m. Prosecutors allege that delay may have cost McCarthy his life because he was still alive when police arrived. He was found three miles from his home.
McCarthy's family was not in court. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
McCarthy's family said the retired war veteran often went for long walks on the road. He always wore a reflective vest.
Faria's family had no comment as they left court on Wednesday. Faria has a long motor vehicle record with citations for speeding and several accidents. He told police he had been drinking before the crash.
"He's scared, depressed and sorry for what happened to that individual," said defense attorney John LaChance. "He maintains his innocence."
There is a push to ban texting or cell phone use while driving in Massachusetts. The bill was passed by House lawmakers, but it is now stalled in the Senate, and it's unlikely the bill will come up for a vote this year.
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