Accused Drunk Driver Arrested After Woman Hurt In Hit-And-Run

LAWRENCE (CBS) - An accused drunk driver is under arrest following a hit-and-run crash in Lawrence early Saturday morning.

A woman was walking in the crosswalk at the intersection of Jackson and Essex streets just after 1 a.m. when she was hit by a car and thrown 50 feet into the air.

Police said the driver, identified as 24-year-old John Quiceno of Methuen, didn't stop, but he was found a short time later by state troopers and arrested.  His car had front end damage and a shattered windshield.

The woman, a 30-year-old from Lawrence, was rushed to Lawrence General Hospital and then to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for surgery.  Police said her injuries were serious. Her name has not been made public.

Quiceno is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident.

Investigators said more charges may be coming.

Local residents shared their concerns about the busy intersection, while reacting to the pedestrian crash.

"That's very bad. That's very bad because you shouldn't drink and drive, and if you are gonna drink, don't drive, because that saves lives," said Yahair Rivera.

"It's a tragic thing, what happened to this lady. It could have been my Mother. It could have been my sister, you know, and we're all family here. I'm glad that they caught up with the guy and they got him," said Raul Diaz.

People in the neighborhood said motorists drive too fast on the road where the crash occurred.

"I think they should have a limit here, like maybe 20 miles only coming here," said Jairo Lozano. "They have to be careful. I've seen a lot of people get hurt here. It's no good, you know? They think it's a highway here but it ain't."