Driver Who Struck Downtown Boston Pedestrians Held on $5,000 Bail: DA

BOSTON, MA — The woman behind the wheel of a car that struck three pedestrians near Downtown Crossing Thursday was held on a $5,000 cash bail after appearing in Boston Municipal Court Friday, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office said.

Needham woman Shanitqua Steele, 25, has been identified as the driver.

According to the DA's office, the victims in the crash were a 63-year-old woman visiting Boston from Spain, a 45-year-old Milford woman, and her 9-year-old son, who suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious, but not life-threatening.

Steele was driving a family member's rented 2016 Mercedes-Benz near Downtown Crossing around noon Thursday when, prosecutors allege, she drove through a red light at the School and Washington Street intersection. The three pedestrians were in the crosswalk at the time, according to prosecutors.

She then ran from the car and into a nearby School Street building as witnesses helped lift the car and free a victim trapped underneath, according to prosecutors' allegations.

The victims were transported by Boston emergency medical services to Tufts Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.

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According to the DA's press release, witnesses direct police to the building where Steele had ran and helped them identify her. Additionally, the release said, Steele allegedly confirmed to police that she was the driver and had run from the scene. Officers also reportedly determined Steele does not have a valid driver’s license.

Steele was charged on two dockets, according to the DA's office. She was charged on one count each of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a collision causing personal injury, and use of a motor vehicle without authority and the second docket charging negligent operation and two additional counts of leaving the scene of a collision causing personal injury.

She was given a $2,500 bail for each docket, totaling $5,000.

Steele was ordered to return to court Sept. 14, according to the DA's office.

>> Photo courtesy WHDH 7News