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Driver Accused Of Trying To Cover Up Fatal Somerville Hit And Run Crash, Community Holds Vigil

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – The driver charged with killing a woman in a hit and run crash in Somerville appeared in court Friday. Edward Clark, 55, of Norwood, was arraigned in Somerville District Court on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death.

Allison Donovan, 40, was a beloved teacher in Watertown.

Allison Donovan
Allison Donovan. (WBZ-TV graphic)

Following his arraignment, Clark was released under the conditions that he does not drive, does not drink or do drugs, and is monitored by a GPS.

Prosecutors said Clark initially denied he was the driver, then "he eventually admitted that he struck somebody, he knew he struck somebody, and fled the scene because he didn't want to get into trouble," said assistant district attorney Terence Kiernan.

Clark allegedly also stopped at a Home Depot and bought materials to try and cover up the front end damage to his truck by installing a new grill.

Police said Clark was driving the black Ford F150 pick-up truck that hit two women in a crosswalk on Powder House Boulevard February 8 and drove off. The crash was recorded on surveillance cameras in the area.

Prosecutors said the break in the case came Thursday when a Tufts University Police Officer spotted a truck with front-end damage on University Avenue and called Somerville Police. They started surviellance on Clark and followed him to a Malden auto body shop, where he was allegedly discussing how to further fix his damaged car. He was then arrested.

Somerville hit and run
Truck believed to be involved in Somerville hit and run crash (Photo credit: Middlesex DA)

Donovan's family was present at Clark's arraignment Friday. They thanked police as they left the courtroom and said they wanted justic4030055e.

Outside court when Clark was asked if he wanted to apologize to Donovan's family, he responded, "when it's over."40300554030251

Meanwhile, a vigil was held Friday night in memory of Donovan. Friends, students and family gathered to mourn the loss of the teacher.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Clark could face even more charges, once the investigation is complete.

Another woman in the crosswalk with Donovan was also hit. She was treated and released from the hospital.

A check of Clark's driving records showed eight previous accidents. A not guilty plea was entered on Clark's behalf. He is due back in court on March 15.

 

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