Boston woman faces OUI after running over pedestrian in South Bay Mall parking lot, DA says
A South Boston woman is facing charges after she ran over a pedestrian in the parking lot of South Bay Mall in Dorchester while on drugs last weekend, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
Ariella Bezan, 25, pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of drugs causing serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in connection with the incident during her arraignment Tuesday in South Boston District Court, according to court records. Her defense lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
On Saturday, Aug. 30, Boston police responded to a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a car in the South Bay Mall parking lot shortly after 5 p.m., the district attorney's office said in a press release Thursday. Officers found the victim — a 42-year-old woman — lying on her back next to a white Ford Explorer. She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Soon, Bezan —who was driving the SUV at the time of the crash — "stumbled toward officers in a hysterical crying state," the district attorney's office said. She appeared "erratic and unsteady on her feet with visible bruising on her arms consistent with an intravenous drug user."
Bezan told officers that her sister — who is autistic — grabbed the steering wheel of the Explorer while she was backing out of a parking space, the district attorney's office said. This caused her to run the victim over, she said.
A witness told police they'd seen the SUV reverse at a high rate of speed, then strike and run over the victim, with one of its tires rolling over her chest, the district attorney's office said. A second witness reported to officers that he'd stood in front of the Explorer to keep the driver from running over the victim a second time.
While securing the SUV, police found a red handbag on the floor next to its pedals, the district attorney's office said. The handbag was left open, and inside, officers discovered approximately 15 used needles and other drug paraphernalia.
"I wish the victim in this case a full and speedy recovery, and I am grateful for the witnesses who provided important information on what happened — in particular, the witness who placed himself in front of the car to prevent further injury — or worse — to the victim," Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release.
During a Wednesday hearing, a judge ordered Bezan held on $2,000 cash bail, according to court records. The judge also issued conditions for her release, including that she enter and complete a drug treatment program, refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs and refrain from driving while her license is suspended.
Bezan is due back in court on Sept. 24 for a pretrial hearing.
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