NATICK, MASS. (WHDH) - A Mansfield man was under the influence of alcohol when he veered off the road and killed a man who was standing in his yard in Sherborn, prosecutors said Thursday during his arraignment on a vehicular homicide charge.
Joshua M. Patel, 37, pleaded not guilty in Natick District Court to charges including motor vehicle homicide while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, assault and battery, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle stemming from a fatal pedestrian crash in Sherborn on Wednesday, according to the Middlesex District Attorney Office.
The judge set bail at $20,000 and Patel is due back in court Dec. 3.
A preliminary investigation indicates Patel was speeding eastbound on Goulding Street East shortly before 5 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle and struck 40-year-old Kevin Sullivan who was standing in his mother’s lawn.
Patel then continued across the lawn and struck a parked car.
Witnesses said Patel tried to flee the scene and struck a witness before they were able to restrain him.
Officers responding to the call said he was uncooperative and showed some signs of impairment.
“Witnesses on scene advised that the defendant tried to leave the scene prior to officers arriving, the defendant was placed in handcuffs and officers noticed he had glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage,” prosecutors said.
Sullivan was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family said he brought joy to everyone he met and would do anything for the people he loved.
Friends and family are now dealing with the loss of a loving husband and father.
A GoFundMe has been set up in his honor to assist with the care of his family.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)