Mass Live is reporting an off-duty Massachusetts State Police trooper has been charged with motor vehicle homicide by operating under the influence of alcohol after he was involved in a deadly crash on I93 in Dorchester that killed a 51-year-old Winthrop man.
The crash took place around 1:30 a.m. near the Freeport Street exit. The trooper, Kristopher Carr, 25, of Monson was also charged with negligent driving and was arraigned Friday in Dorchester District Court.
The trooper reportedly graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy just last week.
Read Statement from District Attorney Rachel Rollins’ office:
BOSTON, October 29, 2021—An off-duty Massachusetts State Police Trooper was arraigned today on charges related to a fatal crash that Suffolk prosecutors allege resulted from his negligent and drunken driving, District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
KRISTOPHER CARR, 25, of Monson was arraigned today in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide by operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation in connection with the crash that killed 51-year-old Christopher Zike. Judge Thomas Kaplanes set bail in the amount of $5,000 and ordered that Mr. Carr refrain from driving while the case is pending and to remain alcohol free subject to random urine screens.
Assistant District Attorney Amanda Cascione, the supervising attorney of the District Attorney’s Dorchester prosecution team, had requested a bail of $7,500 to ensure Mr. Carr’s return to court, as well as conditions that he refrain from driving, remain alcohol free and be ordered to use a SCRAM device.
Mr. Carr was terminated from the Massachusetts State Police today and his license was suspended by the Registry of Motor Vehicles as a result of his role in the fatal crash.
State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office are leading the investigation into the October 29, 2021, motor vehicle homicide because it occurred on a state roadway.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Mr. Carr had consumed six to seven alcoholic beverages at three different establishments in Boston prior to driving. While operating a 2020 Ford Explorer in the far left travel lane of Interstate 93 South shortly before 1:25 a.m. today, Mr. Carr leaned over and attempted to kiss his acquaintance, at which time the vehicle swerved into the median barrier. The SUV sustained damage to the front driver’s side and its airbags deployed as a result of the crash. It came to a stop perpendicular to the median, prosecutors said.
While the SUV was stopped on the roadway, a motorcycle operated by Mr. Zike struck the vehicle. Mr. Zike was thrown from the motorcycle, suffering injuries that resulted in his death at Boston Medical Center.
Mr. Carr and his passenger were both transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the initial crash. There, Mr. Carr declined to answer questions without an attorney. Detectives interacting with him noted that he had glassy eyes and spoke with a thick tongue. He was informed that he was under arrest and transported to the Massachusetts State Police South Boston Barracks for booking upon his release from the hospital.
“One week ago, I had the great honor of attending the Massachusetts State Police Academy graduation ceremony in Worcester where Mr. Carr and 167 other recruits were welcomed into the noble ranks of the State Police. This individual had the privilege and the opportunity to serve as a Trooper with honor and to help improve the safety and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts. Instead, he violated the laws he had sworn to uphold. Christopher Zike’s family and loved ones are now left to grieve his tragic death,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Members of law enforcement are, necessarily, held to a higher standard of conduct, and for good reason. Whether an officer of the law has served the community for decades or worn a badge for only a week, they are always expected to uphold the integrity of their agency and our criminal legal system. When a sworn officer violates the law, it erodes the community’s trust in our criminal legal system. This entire situation is tragic. One man lost his life and another one has altered his trajectory forever. We spend so much time talking about substance use disorders. People need to remember that alcohol is a substance. It just has been normalized. But alcohol destroys and takes lives just like opioids and other narcotics.”
Jillian Rose is District Attorney Rollins’ assigned Victim Witness Advocate. Mr. Carr is represented by attorney Joseph Bernard. He returns to court January 12, 2022.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
