A Dartmouth man was arraigned Friday on multiple charges, including motor vehicle homicide, following a fatal crash in New Bedford that killed one woman and injured another, according to prosecutors.
Andrew Johansen, 34, faces charges of motor vehicle homicide by operating under the influence (OUI) and negligence after the accident on February 6. The Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn’s office confirmed the charges and said Johansen was arraigned in New Bedford District Court.
In addition to the homicide charges, Johansen was cited for a marked lane violation and possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, court records show.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Route 18 North and Coggeshall Street, where 70-year-old Mary Patzsensky and another woman, aged 65, were struck by Johansen’s vehicle while walking as pedestrians.
According to a police statement of facts filed in court, video evidence reveals that Johansen’s vehicle had been stopped in traffic. He then decided to pass traffic by driving in the opposite travel lane before suddenly turning left. While partially on the wrong side of the road, his vehicle slid on ice, causing him to lose control and slide onto the sidewalk, where he hit both women.
Both victims were transported to local hospitals. Patzsensky was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other woman sustained minor injuries, prosecutors said.
Police reportedly found an open container of Coors Light in Johansen’s car at the time of the incident.
Johansen’s bail was set at $5,000. If posted, he will be required to wear a GPS monitoring device, adhere to a curfew, and remain alcohol-free, according to prosecutors.
He is expected to make another court appearance on March 6, the District Attorney’s office added.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/02/08/man-charged-with-motor-vehicle-homicide-after-woman-70-killed-in-new-bedford-crash/