Elderly Victim Identified in Stoughton Collision
The Norfolk District Attorney's Office has confirmed the identity of the 84-year-old man who lost his life in a serious traffic incident in Stoughton.
John G. Smith was the individual who died as a result of the crash that took place on Saturday morning.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, Brockton police officers attempted to stop a pick-up truck, leading to a pursuit that entered Stoughton. The truck eventually crashed into a sedan at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Prospect Street.
Following the collision, Smith was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. His wife, who was a passenger in the sedan, sustained serious injuries and was transported by Stoughton fire personnel to a Boston hospital.
Suspect Apprehended and Charged
Two male individuals fled from the pick-up truck immediately after the crash. Stoughton police managed to capture one suspect, while the driver, identified as 26-year-old Jason Ortiz from Brockton, attempted to escape but was later located by authorities.
Ortiz is facing several charges including:
- Motor vehicle homicide
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
- Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury
- Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage
- Failing to stop for police
Community Reaction
Neighbors described Smith and his wife as a devoted couple who had resided in Stoughton for approximately four decades. They expressed shock at the tragic loss of their quiet neighbor.
Musab Alemian, a resident who moved to the area a few years ago, shared his memories of Smith. "He came and introduced himself. We had a very long talk for almost two hours," Alemian said. "He's a very quiet, very nice neighbor."
Alemian added, "It's a big loss to us. It's very sad to lose someone like him. I'm going to miss saying hello to him."
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The crash is under investigation by multiple agencies including the Stoughton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, and specialized state police units.
Ortiz is scheduled to appear for arraignment at Stoughton District Court on Monday.
