Driver Facing OUI, Homicide Charges In Fatal Braintree Crash

BRAINTREE, MA — The driver in a crash that took the life of a teenage girl will face charges, according to court records.

Ricky N. Van, 20, of Dorchester, is scheduled to be arraigned in Quincy District Court in March on charges of vehicular homicide, operating under the influence of liquor resulting in serious injury, and speeding. Van was scheduled to appear in court Friday, but was moved because he is in the hospital, according to the Patriot Ledger.

At about 4 a.m. on July 30, Braintree fire responded to a report of a vehicle that struck a utility pole near the Braintree Electric Light Department's Plain Street property. Upon arrival, police located one vehicle with substantial damage and three individuals trapped inside the car.

Van and backseat passenger suffered serious injuries and were treated at area hospitals. The front seat passenger, identified as 16-year-old Amanda Nguyen of Dorchester, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say Van's alcohol level at the time of the crash was 0.18, well over the legal limit of 0.08. A passenger in the vehicle told police that they were coming from a party in Braintree and saw Van shotgunning beers. He added that it was likely that Van had a couple of shots.

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Image: File Photo