Driver In 2015 Fatal OUI Mansfield Crash Said He Fled Out Of Fear

FALL RIVER, MA — A Norton man accused of killing another driver during a drunken road rage incident in Mansfield took the stand during his own trial Tuesday.

Michael J. Hinds, 70, said during 90 minutes of testimony that he drove away from the fatal crash because he was scared and thought the other driver was chasing him, according to the Sun Chronicle.

Hinds faces charges of third drunken driving offense, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of liquor, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. In November 2015, Hinds allegedly became involved in a "road rage"-type incident with 37-year-old& Jarrad Aronne of Foxborough as they traveled on Route 495 North.

Hinds allegedly made intentional contact with Aronne's 2007 Chevrolet 2500 pickup. After the collision, both vehicles used the exit 12 ramp to Route 140 and a second collision occurred, causing the Chevrolet 2500 to rollover on the ramp.

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Aronne died of injuries sustained in the crash. Shortly after driving away, Hinds was arrested at his home. When he was arrested, Hinds allegedly said to police, "I smashed into someone, it's not like I killed someone."

During testimony, Hinds said he had no idea the crash was that bad.

A breath-test taken by police indicated that his blood alcohol content level was 0.19, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

A jury is in deliberation as of Tuesday. Hinds faces at least five years in prison.

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