Local News
The recent pedestrian deaths have prompted New Bedford police to begin an “enhanced” roadway safety initiative.
A pedestrian was struck and killed Friday evening in New Bedford, prompting the city’s law enforcement to enact a new safety initiative.
At about 5 p.m., New Bedford police responded to a report that a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Route 6 and Pleasant Street, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Friday. First responders took the victim, identified as a 67-year-old male, to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver who hit the man remained on the scene and attempted to help him, officials said. The victim has since been confirmed to be Robert Randall of New Bedford, according to a statement Saturday from the DA’s office.
New Bedford police and Massachusetts State Police are continuing to investigate the crash, prosecutors said. It has not yet been confirmed if the driver will face charges.
The incident marks the second pedestrian death in New Bedford in two days. On Jan. 1, Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, 33, was killed in a hit-and-run as she was leaving a New Year’s church service.
Police later seized the SUV that hit Colaj and took a 16-year-old suspect into custody. The teenager, who is expected to be arraigned Monday, has been charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene resulting in death.
In response, New Bedford police have announced an after-dark initiative to help keep pedestrians safe. Officers will focus their enforcement efforts on speeding, red light violations, stop sign violations, distracted driving, and pedestrian violations.
“Given our recent tragedies on New Bedford roadways, the NBPD is ramping up efforts to keep city streets safe through an enhanced vehicular and pedestrian safety initiative,” police said on Facebook. “This initiative reflects our desire to protect everyone on the road and our commitment to curbing unsafe behavior on the streets.”
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
