A Bristol man accused of taking off after hitting two pedestrians on the roadway Thursday night faced a Bristol Superior Court judge today.
A surveillance camera from the nearby Dunkin' Donuts on Pine Street captured disturbing footage of two pedestrians crossing the road at about 6 p.m. Thursday and one of them is pushing a wheelchair. Moments later, a Chevy Trailblazer struck them, sending them flying, the video shows. They landed further down the road along the side and the car appears to continue, as seen in the footage.
"That could be anyone’s loved one and you’re just like running them over!" Christopher Goergen said.
Later in Plainville, police found the suspect vehicle with damage in the front speeding in town and eventually located finding the alleged driver, Jesse Lopez, inside an apartment.
Police arrested Lopez and he appeared in Bristol Superior Court on Friday. He faces several charges, including two counts of failure to avoid striking a pedestrian and driving without a license.
Court documents said he told an officer that he didn’t know how he got to Plainville and that he was intoxicated and wasn’t sure who drove him.
Passengers in the car identified Lopez as the driver.
“You shouldn’t drive if you’re going to drink obviously," Dawn Mele said.
“Drunk person was coming out, didn’t care.. and boom," Robert Pedrazza said.
The pedestrians struck were transported to the hospital. The crash for several hours, but it has since reopened.
Lopez was released on $25,000 bond.
His family chose not to comment.
This is Lopez’ first arrest, he has no record.
He’s scheduled back in court Dec. 11.
