Springfield Man Pleads Not Guilty In Pedestrian Death

Arturo Cruz, Jr., 29, of Springfield, pleaded not guilty this morning in Lawrence District Court to leaving the scene of an accident after causing death, operating under the influence of alcohol, and operating after the suspension of his license.

Judge Paul Yee ordered Cruz held without bail and continued his case until Wednesday, when an attorney from the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) will be appointed and bail will be argued.

Cruz was allegedly driving a Toyota Tercel on Union Street when he struck and killed Scott Callahan, 51, of Methuen, on Christmas Eve. Cruz then allegedly fled the scene, but was arrested by police hours later.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Jessica Strasnick represented the Commonwealth at arraignment, while Cruz was represented by Attorney Paul Cahill.

The investigation by Methuen Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section remains ongoing.

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