According to news reports, police have arrested a suspect in the 2010 hit-and-run crash that killed 81-year-old Christos Agganis. The suspect, 24-year-old Steffany Barbanti of Saugus, is suspected of striking the 81-year-old man then fleeing the scene and is being charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash. She was arrested on Saturday, January 28, exactly two years to the day of the accident, supposedly as a result of an anonymous tip. Barbanti is expected to be arraigned today in Lynn District Court. Police also learned that, around the time of the crash, Barbanti had work done on her SUV. This charge comes after two years of investigation and thousands of dollars in reward money.
In January 2010, Agganis was apparently crossing the street in Saugus, on his way to a restaurant run by his relatives, Hammersmith Inn Restaurant in Saugus. Agganis apparently visited the restaurant several times daily and lived across the street. He was killed in the crash. Agganis’ nephew, who was inside the restaurant, looked outside the restaurant window and as he heard the car crash and saw the driver just keep driving.
Hit-and-run accidents are incredibly troubling for police, victims, and their families. In many cases, locating a hit-and-run driver can be close to impossible. Victims, therefore, fear whether their accident will be covered by insurance or if they have any legal recourse for their medical expenses and lost wages. Fortunately, some insurance policies will protect such a victim via uninsured motorist (UM) coverage where a driver cannot be located. If you have any questions about how to recover from a hit-and-run accident in Massachusetts, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
Saugus police make arrest in 2010 hit-and-run crash that killed 81-year-old Christos Agganis, Boston.com, January 30, 2012
Arrest made in 2-year-old Saugus hit and run, Boston.com, January 30, 2012