WOBURN, MASS. (WHDH) - A 58-year-old man appeared in Middlesex Superior Court Tuesday in connection with a car crash into a building in Cambridge in January that left a 23-year-old woman seriously injured.
David Powell, of Roslindale, was arraigned Tuesday after a grand jury decided to elevate the charges he faces. He is accused of recklessly driving a car causing serious bodily injury.
On January 19, police said they tried to conduct a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Albany Street when they saw a vehicle that had been reported stolen to Boston police a short time earlier. The vehicle involved then took off down Albany Street at a high rate of speed, but officers said they did not pursue it because of safety concerns.
Minutes later, several 911 calls reported that a car had smashed into a building nearby, at the intersection of Albany Street, Waverly Street, and Erie Street. The driver, later identified as Powell, is accused of then running away from the scene. He was eventually found by police and arrested.
Olivia Zerwas was walking on the sidewalk getting a coffee when prosecutors said the car jumped the curb and pinned her underneath. The art therapist suffered a traumatic brain injury, broke bones in her back and legs, and was burned on more than 30 percent of her body. Her family says she is still in the hospital.
“As it stands today, she’s in surgery right now. I don’t know how many surgeries it’s been, but it’s been several. She was in the ICU for eight weeks and currently on the floor going on five weeks, so it’s not a pretty picture,” said Chris Zerwas, Olivia’s father. “Olivia has a multi-year battle that she’s going to be fighting to get better. And she’s a fighter and we’re thankful for that.”
Powell’s defense attorney said his client was “horrified” to hear about Olivia’s injuries.
“His [Powell’s] reaction – shock, became tearful, it was instantaneous. I hasten to add, I know that’s not of much comfort to Ms. Zerwas’ family, but I think it’s important.” “There’s no allegation that Mr. Powell intentionally harmed anybody or had any idea anybody was walking on that sidewalk.”
Olivia’s mother said she hopes people remember her daughter as more than the victim of a senseless crime.
“She likes to help people and loves art at the same time. She loves cooking, gardening and hiking. She has a lot of good friends and a great sense of humor,” said Jen Zerwas, Olivia’s mother.
It was revealed in court Tuesday that Powell has 43 other criminal charges on his record. He is being held on $175,000 bail. If he posts bail, he is ordered to stay away from the victims, be on home confinement, not drive, and be screened for drugs and alcohol.
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