A New Hampshire man has been ordered not to drive after he was involved in an accident that left a woman paralyzed and resulted in a 28-mile traffic backup Tuesday.
NewsCenter 5's David Boeri reported that William Artis, 29, of Hooksett, N.H., pleaded not guilty to charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of fireworks.
Officials said Artis was traveling in the left lane of Interstate 93 North in Methuen at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when his Chevrolet Cobalt struck the rear of a Saab driven by Dana Martino, 35, of Methuen.
"He was driving a rental vehicle. He was not the individual authorized to operate it," Essex County prosecutor Poppi Hagan said.
Police said Martino was slowing down because of traffic volume.
"He has two prior convictions for this same charge of unlicensed operation -- in New Hampshire in February of 2006 and in Georgia in September of 1995," Hagan said.
Officials said Wednesday that Martino was paralyzed at Massachusetts General Hospital. Martino is a cancer survivor who recently had a double mastectomy.
"She is still in critical condition. She is on ventilator, unable to breath on her own. She is fully paralyzed," Hagan said.
Martino's 4-year-old son was taken to Lawrence General Hospital with minor injuries. His dog was killed.
"This was an accident and the maximum penalty that Mr. Artis can face, from what understand, is not more than $200 total," said defense attorney Paul Farina.
Artis suffered minor injuries and was taken to Holy Family Hospital. Three passengers in Artis' car were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Mirela Halilagic, 22, of Hooksett, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Lawrence General Hospital. An 8-year-old girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to Holy Family Hospital and later transported to Boston Children?s Hospital. A 1-year-old boy suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lawrence General Hospital.
Artis was held on $2,500 cash bail.
How can you cause all this misery and, only get a $200.00 fine? This country is messed up!
