Executive Summary
- Robert Randall, 67, was struck and killed Friday at the intersection of Route 6 and Pleasant Street in New Bedford.
- The incident marks the second pedestrian fatality in the city in two days, following a New Year’s Day hit-and-run.
- New Bedford police have launched an "after-dark initiative" targeting speeding and distracted driving in response to the deaths.
- A 16-year-old suspect has been charged with negligent homicide in connection with the January 1 incident.
New Bedford authorities have launched an enhanced traffic enforcement initiative following the death of a 67-year-old pedestrian Friday evening, the second such fatality in the city within a 48-hour period.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, police responded to the intersection of Route 6 and Pleasant Street around 5 p.m. regarding a collision involving a pedestrian. First responders transported the victim, identified as Robert Randall of New Bedford, to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officials stated that the driver involved in the Friday incident remained at the scene and attempted to render aid to Randall. As of Saturday, prosecutors indicated that the investigation is being conducted by New Bedford police and Massachusetts State Police, with no immediate confirmation regarding potential charges against the driver.
The incident follows a separate fatal hit-and-run on January 1, in which 33-year-old Nicolasa Ventura Colaj was killed while leaving a church service. Police have since taken a 16-year-old suspect into custody in connection with Colaj’s death, seizing the SUV believed to be involved in the crash.
In response to these consecutive tragedies, the New Bedford Police Department announced a new "after-dark initiative" aimed at curbing unsafe driving behaviors. The department stated via social media that officers will strictly focus enforcement efforts on speeding, red light violations, stop sign infractions, and distracted driving.
Public Safety Response
The rapid succession of roadway fatalities has prompted an immediate tactical shift in local law enforcement strategy, utilizing high-visibility enforcement to mitigate risks to pedestrians during evening hours. While the investigation into the Friday incident remains active to determine the cause, the legal proceedings regarding the earlier New Year’s Day case are moving forward. Regarding the teenager charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene resulting in death, it is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
