Woman struck, seriously injured by unlicensed drunken driver, police say

STOUGHTON, MASS. (WHDH) - A woman was struck and seriously injured Sunday night by an unlicensed drunken driver in Stoughton, police say.

Officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to Park Street for a report of a person struck by a vehicle.

Police say Vairo Martins, 38, of Whitman, struck the woman with his van as she crossed the street.

“It was a loud crash. It was a big bang,” one witness told 7News.

The 65-year-old victim was taken to a Boston hospital with serious injuries. Her identity has not been released.

Martins was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to police.

Martins’ white van was impounded. Video taken of the vehicle showed a crumpled up hood and front-end damage.

“It looked like he was in a work van,” another witness told 7News. “Drinking and driving while at work. That’s dangerous.”

Neighbors say Park Street is more like “Speed Street.” They say cars zoom up and down the road at all hours of the day.

Martins was ordered held overnight. He is slated to appear in court Tuesday.

The incident is under investigation.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)