A woman crossing the road was struck by a tow truck and killed in the intersection of Galen and Nonantum streets, then a man known to the woman attacked the driver of the truck, who was taken to hospital with injuries.
The incident in the major intersection across the Charles River from Watertown Square occurred about 11:20 a.m., according to a press release from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The accident remains under investigation and the man who allegedly stabbed the driver was taken into custody.
An investigation of the incident continues this afternoon in the intersection, and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.
The Middlesex DA’s office sent out the following press release:
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Watertown Chief of Police Michael Lawn have confirmed that an investigation is underway in Watertown today following a fatal pedestrian collision and an apparent non-fatal stabbing.
The preliminary investigation suggests that at approximately 11:20 a.m., Watertown Police responded to a 911 call of an alleged road rage incident underway on Watertown Street near the intersection of Nonantum and Galen Streets. Upon arrival police located a woman in her late 60s who had apparently been struck by a tow truck. That woman was pronounced dead on scene.
The preliminary investigation also suggests that following the crash a man who is known to the woman that was fatally struck engaged in an altercation with the tow truck driver stabbing him multiple times in the abdomen. That man, who was on scene when police arrived, was subsequently placed into custody. He has been transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The driver of the tow truck was transported to a Boston-area hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
The identity of the decedent will be released pending next of kin notification.
This is an open and active investigation. Information about charges will be released as it becomes available.
This incident is under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Watertown Police Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and there is no danger to the public.
Members of the public are encouraged to avoid this area of Watertown while the investigation is underway.
Sadly, the state has identified this intersection as unsafe for pedestrians and is in final planning stages for a redesign.
I grew up on Watertown st
There was a cross walk in this location for decades and then it was removed .
Made no sense!
Now the state says it is a dangerous intersection for pedestrians!!!!
So tragic a woman was killed and now the driver is fighting for his life.