Massachusetts Officer Cleared in Fatal Vehicle Collision

An officer with the Stoughton (MA) Police Department late last week was found not guilty in a vehicle collision that left 74-year-old Ralph Hawkins dead in 2018.

According to the Enterprise , 50-year-old Paul Williams was found not guilty of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation following a two-day trial in Dedham District Court.

The Police Department said Friday's not guilty verdict is the first step toward Williams' reinstatement with the department.

Williams said that he was choking on a lemon seed from his iced tea in the moments before striking Hawkins as he stood beside the roadway.