Norton Man Accused in Fatal Mansfield Crash Held on $75,000 Bail

A Norton man charged in a Mansfield road rage incident that resulted in the death of a Foxborough man was arraigned in Attleboro District Court Tuesday afternoon.

Michael Hinds, 67, pleaded not guilty to seven charges according to WBZ including his third drunken driving offense, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of liquor, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

At around 10:53 a.m., Monday morning, local and state police responded to a reported rollover on the highway. According to a preliminary investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, Jarrad Aronne, 37, of Foxborough and Michael Hinds, 67 of Norton, the drivers of a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 pickup and a 2007 Ford Ranger pickup, became involved in a “road rage”-type incident as they traveled on Route 495 North.

Hinds allegedly made intentional contact with the other vehicle. After the collision, both vehicles used the exit 12 ramp to Route 140 and a second collision occurred, causing the Chevrolet 2500 to rollover on the ramp.

In court, the prosecution said that a witness followed Hinds to his home. When he was arrested, Hinds allegedly said to police, “I smashed into someone, it’s not like I killed someone.”

Four open beer cans and nip bottles were found by police in Hinds’ truck.

Bail was set at $75,000. If he is able to post bail, he will be monitored and is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle, according to NECN.

He is due back in court in December.

Photo Credit: WHDH/7-News