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Charges Dropped Against Woman In Crash That Killed Tow Truck Driver

LAWRENCE (CBS) – Prosecutors have dropped charges against a woman who they previously said was under the influence behind the wheel when she hit and killed a tow truck driver who was clearing an accident scene in March.

Dan Coady of North Andover, was working at a crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 495 in Andover when he was hit and killed by a Pontiac G6.

Dan Coady
Dan Coady. (Facebook photo)

Shiina Dionne was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle homicide while OUI, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt and obstructing a stationary emergency vehicle.

Those charges were filed even though prosecutors said during Dionne's arraignment that she had a blood alcohol content of .03, which is below the legal limit. Drug and alcohol tests conducted by the state drug lab came back negative.

Shiina Dionne
Shiina Dionne was arraigned in her hospital bed, March 16, 2018.(Photo credit: Christina Hager - WBZ-TV)

On Wednesday, the Essex District Attorney's office confirmed that prosecutors filed a Nolle Prosquei to drop the charges.

Radio transmissions from State Police before the crash indicated there was black ice on the road. There had also been near crashes by other drivers who said the roads were slick.

The State Police resconstruction team is still investigating the crash. Other charges are possible.

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