|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
NEW BEDFORD — A 16-year-old was released on bail Monday after his arrest in connection with the Jan. 1 hit-and-run death of a Guatemalan woman in the city’s North End.
Adrian Ventura, executive director of the Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, said he was present for the family of Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, 33, who died around 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 when an SUV hit her as she crossed Acushnet Avenue. She had just left a New Year’s service at Iglesia Pentecostal Latinoamericana Unida with her husband, Antonio, and their three children.
Ventura said the driver is a Dartmouth resident who faces charges of negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene, death resulting. He was released on $1,000 bail and has another court date scheduled for Feb. 24. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to multiple emails requesting comment on the matter.
In a statement released on social media Saturday announcing the arrest, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said police were committed to finding justice for Colaj.
“This was a thorough and relentless investigation carried out under extremely difficult circumstances,” Thody said. “I want to first thank the emergency personnel who responded immediately and provided lifesaving measures, and I appreciate the public’s patience and support throughout this process.
“While nothing can undo this tragic loss, we are committed to seeing this investigation through and ensuring Nicolasa’s family sees accountability and justice.”
Vigil
About 50 people gathered Saturday afternoon outside the church where Colaj died. Her husband, Antonio Colaj Olmos, said in Spanish that he wants justice but knows what his wife would have wanted.
“It breaks my heart when I recall what happened,” said Olmos, who witnessed the collision. “Regarding the child [in custody] I don’t know what will happen to them. But I do know that my wife would forgive him.
“Her departure hurts me,” he continued. “But I know she is in a better place now.”
Ventura called on the city to improve street safety in the neighborhood by putting up street signs and stop lights. He also called on people to remember Colaj’s humanity.
“Today, everybody in the Central American community is here to cry,” he said. “She was hardworking. She was a good woman. She was not a criminal.”
The gathering also served as a fundraiser to help raise $11,000 for her family to cover expenses for Colaj’s funeral and the repatriation of her remains to Guatemala.
Safety initiative announced
Colaj’s death was the first of two vehicular/pedestrian deaths that opened the year. The second occurred the evening of Jan. 2 at the intersection of Route 6 and Pleasant Street. Police identified the victim in that case as 67-year old Robert Randall of New Bedford.
The driver in the Randall case remained at the scene. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment on the case.
In posts on social media, police said they will keep their eyes open for speeding, red light violations, stop sign violations, distracted driving, and pedestrian violations.
“Given our recent tragedies on New Bedford roadways, the NBPD is ramping up efforts to keep city streets safe through an enhanced vehicular and pedestrian safety initiative,” police said in the social media announcement of the campaign. “This initiative reflects our desire to protect everyone on the road and our commitment to curbing unsafe behavior on the streets.”
Kevin G. Andrade can be contacted at kandrade@newbedfordlight.org.
Thank you for the coverage. Since moving to the area a couple of years ago, I have been increasingly stunned by the number of drivers ignoring red lights, stop signs, speed limits, and pedestrians, particularly at intersections and on route 6.