Burlington Teen Charged In Crash That Critically Injured Somerville Police Officer

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Burlington teen has been charged in a crash that left off-duty Somerville police officer Louis Remigio in critical condition Sunday morning. The crash occurred on I-95 in North Hampton, NH; Remigio, 55, of Tewksbury, was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Michael Ricci, 18, faces a charge of felony reckless conduct. Witnesses told police he was allegedly racing other cars when his 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 abruptly crossed over from the northbound to the southbound side and collided with Remigio's 2003 Harley-Davidson, New Hampshire State Police said. Ricci was not injured in the crash.

As of Monday night, Remigio, a 30-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department, remained in critical condition. Somerville Police Chief David Fallon and the deputy chiefs were at the hospital with him, a City of Somerville spokesperson said in an email.

"We are heartbroken for Officer Remigio and his family over this tragic, completely avoidable accident," Fallon and Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a joint statement. "Lou is a well-loved and valued member of our police force and our community, and has served Somerville with the highest honor for the last 30 years. We continue to pray for his recovery, and our thoughts are with his entire family at this very difficult time."

Three other vehicles were damaged in the wreck. John Bamford, 63, and Jaclyn Bamford, 61, were also injured when their Subaru Legacy could not stop in time and crashed into Ricci's Mercedes. The Bamfords, of Wells, Maine, were taken to Portsmouth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Ricci posted $10,000 bail and was released Monday. He is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 20, according to Boston 25.

The Somerville Fire Department tweeted thoughts and prayers Sunday to the Somerville Police Department amid news of the crash.

Dave Copeland (Patch Staff) contributed to this report. Image via Somerville Police Department