Teen Arrested In Fatal Methuen Hit-And-Run

METHUEN, MA — A 16-year-old Lawrence boy was the driver in the hit-and-run crash that killed a 57-year-old Methuen man last week, authorities said. The teen, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested Monday and charged in the death of Timothy Lafferty.

The teen is charged with manslaughter, operating recklessly causing the death of another, leacing the scene of a personal injury collision causing the death of another, two counts of witness interference/intimidation, unlicensed operation and speeding.

Lafferty was struck last Monday night on Jackson Street. Police determined he was hit by a white 2011 Acura Infiniti M37 and quickly found the car.

Police said the teen took the car from its owner's Brook Street home, returning it there with front-end damage. The vehicle owner and the teen know each other.

Police also said the teen made threats to a witness of the crash.

"This was a tragedy that was entirely avoidable," Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon said. "I’m proud of the tireless effort our officers put in to investigate this incident and identify the person responsible so that they can be held accountable for their actions."

The teen is expected to be arraigned Monday in Lawrence Juvenile Court.