Charlestown Man Arraigned Following Fatal Pedestrian Crash In Everett

WOBURN - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a Charlestown man has been arraigned on charges following a fatal pedestrian crash in Everett on Saturday, December 27.

Jonathan McNeil, 33, of Charlestown, was arraigned today on charges of operating under the influence of drugs and causing serious bodily injury, operating under the influence of drugs, and possession of a class B substance. Malden District Court Judge Lee Johnson imposed $25,000 cash bail, with conditions to include random screening for drug or alcohol use, that the defendant report to a probation officer twice per week, and that McNeil not operate a motor vehicle while his license is suspended. The next court date for McNeil is scheduled for January 14, 2015.

“Pedestrian safety continues to be a major issue in our area and nationwide,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Recent figures from the Center For Disease Control show that, on average, there is a pedestrian death every two hours in the United States. Impaired and distracted drivers are a leading cause of pedestrian death. Drivers must drive sober and must be cautious of pedestrians and other motor vehicles at all times.”

Authorities say that just before 5 p.m., on December 27, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Pleasant Street in Everett near the intersection of Broadway. McNeil allegedly was driving the vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after the crash and has been identified as Sarah Nason, 73, of Everett.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Kerry Collins. The Victim Witness Advocate is Kristin D’Agnelli.