Nikolas Papadopoulos, the driver who caused a crash on the Arborway in 2013, was recently convicted of negligent operation of a motor vehicle at Brighton Municipal Court, according to a Suffolk County District Attorney’s (DA) Office press release.
The crash on Sept. 6, 2013 left one of his passengers and the driver of a second vehicle with life-changing injuries, according to the press release.
Papadopoulos was driving westbound on the Arborway at 2 p.m. on the day of the crash with three younger passengers: a 14-year-old from Chestnut Hill, another 14-year-old from West Roxbury, and a 15-year-old also from West Roxbury. One 14-year-old passenger now uses a wheelchair due to traumatic brain injury, the other 14-year-old passenger was seriously injured, and the 15-year-old suffered less serious injuries.
Assistant District Attorney Montez Haywood proved that Papadopoulos was traveling well over the speed limit when his car crossed the center line and crashed into a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the truck, a 33-year-old Dorchester man, can no longer move about or communicate on his own. His passenger, a 34-year-old man from Quincy, suffered less serious injuries.
“These victims and their families waited more than two and a half years for this day,” said Suffolk County DA Dan Conley. “Throughout these proceedings, they’ve conducted themselves with enormous strength and grace despite the grievous injuries inflicted upon them.”
Papadopoulos faces a maximum of two years behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3.