State Police Investigate a Fatal Crash on River Street in Haverhill

Today, at approximately 12:35 a.m., troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Newbury responded to 447/449 River Street in Haverhill where a single vehicle crashed into the residence and resulted in two fatalities.

Preliminary investigation by Sergeant Richard Chase indicates that Trooper Matthew Topping of the State Police Barracks in Newbury observed a 1990 Honda Accord operated by 29-year-old Jose Gonzalez of Haverhill speeding on Route 495 North in Haverhill. Trooper Topping followed the Honda onto Route 110 South (River Street) and stopped the Honda adjacent to Dunkin Donuts. As Trooper Topping approached Gonzalez, the Honda fled on Route 110 South. Trooper Topping did not pursue the Honda. The Honda continued on Route 110 South at a high rate of speed and sideswiped a 1995 Honda Accord that was traveling on Route 110 North and was being operated by 19-year-old Luis A. Quintana Jr. of Methuen. Quintana was not injured. Gonzalez continued traveling on Route 110 South until he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the oncoming travel lane, went off the left shoulder of the road and then collided with a telephone pole and the residence located at 447/449 River Street. That residence is approximately one mile from the Dunkin Donuts. Trooper Topping subsequently discovered the crash scene and that Gonzalez and the adult male passenger in the Honda, 28-year-old Samuel Paulino of Lawrence, had suffered serious injuries. No one in the residence was injured. Gonzalez was transported by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women's Hospital where he was later declared deceased. Paulino was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he was also declared deceased.

Although speed appears to have been a factor, this crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Haverhill Police, The Haverhill Fire Department and MassHighway assisted Troopers at the scene.

Due to the investigation and vehicle recovery both directions of Route 110 were closed for approximately 2 ½ hours.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.