FSU President Responds To Framingham Crash That Injured Officer

FRAMINGHAM, MA—In the aftermath of a crash that seriously injured a Framingham police officer in which police were reportedly responding to an out-of-control party that includes Framingham State University students, the university's president has released a statement.

F. Javier Cevallos, president of FSU, said on Tuesday:

On behalf of the Framingham State University community, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the life-saving efforts of our local first responders following a head-on collision that occurred last week involving three FSU students and a City of Framingham Police officer. Their outstanding work helped prevent a terrible scene from turning tragic. Our thoughts continue to go out to those involved and their families as they recover from serious injuries.

I’d also like to thank members of the Framingham Police Department, as well as the officers from surrounding police departments, who responded to the Brook Street gathering that appears to be related to the accident.

While the off-campus party is still under investigation, it is clear that a number of our students were present. We will be working closely with the Framingham Police Department following the conclusion of their investigation to determine any student conduct actions that need to be taken.

One thing that is certain is that no neighborhood should have to deal with that level of disruption. Framingham State is fortunate to be located in a wonderful community and we strive to be good neighbors. We handle instances very seriously where we come up short of achieving this goal.

I am aware that the City Council is going to be investigating the possibility of providing additional regulations for short-term rental properties. I applaud them for taking a proactive approach in response to a growing trend of homes being rented simply to host parties. The University will offer its support to any recommended measures put in place to address these concerns.

At 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, Framingham police headed to Brook Street where it was reported there was a large gathering of more than 200 people. They worked to disperse the crowd, and as they were leaving, there were multiple altercations between the party-goers. Police called for backup due to the size of the crowd and the nature of the situation. All officers reporting for duty were called to the scene and neighboring communities were called to provide assistance including Sudbury, Natick, Ashland, Sherborn and the Massachusetts State Police.

At the scene police arrested Devante Santiago of Hyde Park for disorderly conduct and Keith Worthy, Jr. of Springfield for assault and battery of a police officer, disturbing the peace, and resisting arrest.

A Framingham police officer received the call for service; and was in route to the scene when his vehicle was struck head on at the intersection of Edgell Road and Central Street. The Framingham Fire Department responded to the scene and extricated the police officer and the driver of the other vehicle. Due to the seriousness of their injuries both the officer and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash were transported by helicopter to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.

The other passengers in the vehicle that struck the police officer were taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester to be treated for their injuries. The Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team has been called in to investigate the accident.

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