Peabody Man Charged With Drunk Driving In Deadly Crash Into Parked Tow Truck
PEABODY (CBS) — A Peabody man was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail Friday in connection with an overnight car crash that killed his passenger.
Prosecutors say 38-year-old Michael Fowler was driving drunk when he slammed into a parked flat-bed tow truck at about 12:30 a.m. on Walnut Street. He allegedly tried to run away after the crash.
His attorney says he did not run away. "He indicated to me that he did not flee but he was looking for help after the accident," defense attorney John Lalakos said.
Fowler's passenger, 31-year-old Daniel Walker of Peabody, died.
Fowler pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday afternoon in Peabody District Court. His pregnant wife left court without speaking to reporters.
"He was a good kid who helped out everyone. It broke my heart when I found out what happened," friend Kelly Hazel said.
He's charged with felony motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol; negligent operation; operating under the influence of alcohol, second offense; and leaving the scene of personal injury resulting in death.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton contributed to this report.
