Man Held Without Bail In Crash That Left 12-Year-Old Seriously Hurt
SOUTH BOSTON (CBS) -- An Attleboro man was arraigned Monday on charges he drunkenly struck a 12-year-old girl with his car, leaving her seriously injured.
According to court documents, it's the fifth time Richard Higgins, 78, is facing charges of operating under the influence. He was ordered held without bail.
He's also facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a revoked license, speeding, and more.
Higgins' driving records reveal a history of drunk driving charges going back to 1995.
State Police said he was speeding as he drove drunk and he lost control of a gray Ford Explorer on Old Colony Avenue Saturday. He hit several parked cars before striking the girl on her bicycle.
Higgins lost a wheel and fled the scene, police said, but officers caught up with and arrested him shortly after in the Kosckiuzco Rotary.
According to the police report, Higgins had pulled over to throw two empty alcohol containers into the woods.
Shalynn Bobbitt, the little girl struck on her bike, is currently being treated for serious injuries at Tufts Medical Center.
The girl's mother, Kelly Bobbitt, was in court Monday to see Higgins' arraignment.
"I can't even think of him, I keep thinking about my kid," Bobbitt said after.
Shalynn was set to undergo surgery Monday.
According to Holly Randall, Shalynn's aunt, Shalynn does not ever remember the crash.
Mother of 12 y/o girl hit in #SouthBoston is in court to see Richard Higgins arraigned. She says her daughter is having surgery today. #Wbz pic.twitter.com/NNOSqVr2QI
— Anna Meiler (@AnnaMeiler) August 7, 2017
"I just know she's in severe pain," Bobbitt, told WBZ-TV on Sunday. "But she will be okay. She's a survivor, she's a fighter."
"He shouldn't have any bail," she added.
Higgins is due back in court Thursday for a dangerousness hearing.