Cranston Man Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash In Massachusetts: MSP

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA — A Cranston man was arrested in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, after Massachusetts State Police said he was involved in a hit-and-run crash Monday that killed a man and left another with life-threatening injuries.

Joseph Pompei, 50, was charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, leaving the scene of a crash, causing fatal injuries, and related offenses. State police said the crash killed Randall Ricketts, 58, of Foxborough, and left a 61-year-old Providence man with life-threatening injuries.

State police said the crash happened around 4:15 p.m. on Interstate 95 in North Attleboro. Pompei struck a Cadillac Escalade with his Buick Lacrosse, causing it to lose control, cross the median, and collide with a Jaguar XJ Ricketts was driving, according to state police. Pompei then drove away from the scene, state police said.

Ricketts was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Providence man driving the Cadillac was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The man remains in critical condition, according to state police.

State troopers spoke with witnesses to get a description on the hit-and-run vehicle and put a broadcast out to local police departments in the area. Around 5 p.m., Attleboro police found Pompei and his car with front-end damage and a flat tire, state police said.

Pompei was placed into custody and was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in Attleboro District Court.

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