FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2019

Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque announced that a Lawrence man has been arrested in connection with a motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of an 8-year old girl yesterday evening.

An arrest warrant for Selvin Manuel Lima (DOB: 6/14/1996) was issued this morning for the following:

Manslaughter 265/13,  Motor Vehicle Homicide by Reckless Operation 90/24G(c),  Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury (4 counts) 265/15A(c)(I), Operating After License Suspension, Subsequent Offense 90/23, Failing to Stop for a Police Officer, Marked Lanes, Speeding  

 At approximately 5:30 pm yesterday, a Lawrence Police Patrol officer initiated a motor vehicle stop of a white 2009 Infiniti G37 at the intersection of South Union and Winthrop, for speeding and erratic operation.  As the officer approached the vehicle on foot, the operator, later identified as Lima, fled at a high rate of speed.  The Lawrence Police officer did not pursue the suspect.

It is alleged that the suspect turned onto Winthrop Ave (Route 114 Northbound) and as he approached the intersection of Winthrop and Andover Street, lost control of the vehicle, crossed over to the Southbound side and struck a black 2016 Honda Civic head on.  (The exact location of the crash was 191 Parker Street.  Winthrop Avenue turns into Parker at Andover Street.  It is also Route 114.)

Five people were traveling in the Honda.  An 8-year old girl was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The remaining people (a 27-year old Lawrence male; a 29-year old Peabody female and 2 female children also of Peabody) were transported to various Boston hospitals with serious injuries.  As of this morning, all were still alive.

Lima was med-flighted to Brigham & Women’s Hospital with serious injuries.  He was the sole occupant of the Infiniti.  He is expected to be arraigned on Monday at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, depending on his condition.   He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 There will not be a press conference. 

 Also note: we believe the Peabody woman is the mother of the 3 children in the Honda but at this point we have not been able to confirm that for a fact.  Names will remain withheld until this can be figured out and proper family notifications can be made.

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 Carrie Kimball

Director of Communications

Essex District Attorney’s Office