Driver in Sweet Tomatoes Crash Released on Personal Recognizance

NEWTON, MA – The Newton man charged in the fatal crash at Sweet Tomatoes in March was arraigned Monday and released on his own personal recognizance.

Prosecutors had originally sought to hold Bradford Casler, 55, on $10,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of operating a motor vehicle to endanger.

According to the Middlesex County District Attorney's office, at approximately 6:12 p.m. on March 1, Casler was allegedly driving a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV down Chestnut Street in Newton when he allegedly crossed over Washington Street. He allegedly collided with several cars on Washington Street before crashing through the front of the restaurant, the DA's office said.

Eleanor Miele, 57, of Watertown, and Gregory Morin, 32, of Newton, were killed in the crash.

Prosecutors said though Casler has Multiple Sclerosis, it did not play a role in the collision.

Correction: An earlier version of this story identified the car as a Volkswagen Touareg. According to the Middlesex DA, it was a Tiguan.

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