Officer In Fatal Crash Violated Dept. Rules

BOSTON -- A Boston Police officer involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a woman has been found in violation of the department's rules and regulations.

Officer Involved In Fatal Crash Violated Dept. Rules

Officer Jesse Stotts, 40, was responding to a call on Nov. 10 for an officer in trouble when he struck a car operated by Ann-Marie McNally, 36, of South Boston, who died in the crash.

Stotts has been found to be in violation of the department's emergency driving rule, exercise of due caution and use of unreasonable judgment.

"We were happy that it was recognized that Ann wasn't at fault," McNally's sister, Caroline Gallacher said.

Earlier this year, an investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office found insufficient evidence to charge the officer criminally.

At that time, the Boston Police Accident Review Board examined the crash to determine if Stotts' actions contributed to the incident.

The physical evidence shows that Stotts was traveling at least 52 mph and had an obstructed view of approaching traffic on Broadway Street at the time of impact. The other vehicle was traveling 9 mph.

The board concluded that Stotts violated several department rules and regulations and that McNally had no responsibility in the crash.

As such, the Accident Review Board requested that Internal Affairs Division conduct a formal investigation. That investigation has resulted in the above sustained complaints.

"It's almost been a year that she's been gone. It was such a senseless, tragic way to die," Gallacher said.

Stotts, who has been a member of the police department for 13 years, remains out injured as a result of the crash. When he is able to return to duty Boston Police Department Commissioner Ed Davis will determine the appropriate discipline.

"We wish to apologize to the McNally family for this terrible tragedy. Officer Stotts, while responding to a legitimate emergency used poor judgment and caused the death of this young woman. Although we are unable to ever return the McNally family's life to normal, we can do everything in our power to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again," Davis said in a statement.