Charges dropped against South Hadley driver in connection with deadly hit-and-run crash in Chicopee

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Charges against a man from South Hadley have been dropped in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash in Chicopee.

The crash happened back in February, when a woman was walking on Abbey Memorial Drive when she was struck and killed. The woman, 34-year-old Vanessa Perez of Springfield, died due to her injuries. Police say two separate cars were involved in the crash that killed her, one plow truck and the other a Sedan.

Jerimeldo Lopez of South Hadley, who was driving a plow truck, was charged with two felonies, leaving the scene of personal injury and death, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

During the arraignment on April 9th, the defense attorney for Lopez said, "Through the investigation, it was revealed that earlier on, a little further up the road, Ms. Perez had been struck by a Ford F550 with essentially a "V" shaped plow. Police were able to learn that through the city surveillance system. There is surveillance video of the vehicle striking Ms. Perez as she crossed Abbey Memorial Drive along Broadway."

He continued, “This is a case where this incident could only have happened if everything went wrong. He has a green light, it's nighttime, she is wearing dark clothing, and she is in the middle of the road. I don't use that phrase coldly, I mean literally, the middle of the road. She is in the middle of the road, she is listening to music, she has her headphones in, that is why she doesn't hear him. He is listening to music, which he why he doesn't hear anything."

The judge ordered a $10,000 cash bail and ordered to not operate a vehicle. However, Hampden District Attorney's Office Spokesperson Payton North told 22News a decision was made by a grand jury not to indict Lopez.

“We are disappointed by the Grand Jury’s decision, but we remain dedicated to seeking justice and will explore all available options to re-present the case moving forward," said North in a statement.

The other driver charged in connection with this case, Lavonta Williams Jr. of Chicopee, who was allegedly the driver of the Sedan, was charged with leaving the scene of personal injury and death. The judge set William’s bail at $2,500, which his attorney said he was able to post. 

“He tried to do what was right that night, he stopped his car. We had to tell the commonwealth that he called 911, which they verified. He was flagging down people, we think that’s why the witness was even able to be there to try to help this person who was lying in the road, which he thought was deceased. There are significant evidential issues that we are dealing with in the case,” said Joseph Pacella, William’s attorney.

The case against Williams Jr. is still pending.