Matthew Sweeney, 21, of Paxton, faces multiple criminal charges, including felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence, and operating to endanger, following the fatal crash on Route 28.
Crash Details on Route 28
The collision occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, according to investigators cited by Boston 25 News. Sweeney was driving an Acura MDX at a high rate of speed along Route 28 when he struck a Honda HR-V that was stopped at a red light near a local shopping plaza housing a Lucky Mart and Captain Pizza, CBS News reported. The impact immediately engulfed the Honda in flames.
First responders and a good Samaritan rushed to the scene to pull the occupants from the burning vehicle. Despite rescue efforts, an adult man and a minor died at the scene. Photographs from the crash site show heavy damage to the vehicles, with one car coming to a rest against a local business sign.
Charges and Court Arraignment
North Reading police arrested Sweeney at the scene of the collision. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and North Reading Police Chief Mark Zimmerman formally announced the charges against him, which include felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence, and operating to endanger. Sweeney is scheduled for arraignment on Monday in Woburn District Court, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the ongoing investigation. North Reading is situated approximately 20 minutes north of Boston.
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