Accused Somerville Hit-And-Run Driver Released On Bail

SOMERVILLE, MA — A man accused of fatally striking a Somerville woman and fleeing the scene Saturday evening has been released on bail. Zewdu Abate Gedamu, 64, of Roxbury, turned himself in Sunday morning, police said. He was held on $1,000 bail overnight and arraigned Monday morning.

State Police said Gedamu struck 52-year-old Cheryl Pauline Richards on Mystic Avenue, south of Route 28 near the Stop & Shop. She was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she later died.

Gedamu kept driving south after the crash, according to police. He is charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury or death and a crosswalk violation. More charges could follow pending the investigation.

Gedamu told police he drank two glasses of wine before the collision, according to court documents cited by 7-News.