Northampton man pleads guilty in June 2020 crash
Christopher Durham, 26, of Northampton, pleaded guilty in Northampton District Court today, March 1, to multiple charges in connection with a June 2020 crash in downtown Northampton that resulted in serious injury.
Durham pleaded guilty during the virtual hearing to leaving the scene of personal injury, leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, and driving on a suspended license.
Shortly before 1 a.m. on June 20, 2020, Durham crashed into a Main Street Pioneer Valley Transit Authorly (PVTA) bus stop in downtown Northampton, severely injuring a 62-year-old male victim who was sleeping inside. Durham then led Northampton Police on a high-speed chase before he was apprehended hours later by the State Police in Hampden County.
At today’s hearing, Durham pleaded guilty to the above charges and received two years in jail. The prosecution and defense agreed upon the recommendation to the Court.
Judge Laurie MacLeod presided over today’s hearing.
The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington.
Durham was represented by Attorney Daniel Carey of Northampton.
“While the victim in this case is still continuing to recover from significant injuries caused by Durham, we are fortunate that this was not a case that ended up in a fatality,” ADA Covington said.
“The Commonwealth would like to thank the victim in this case for having the courage on scene while in significant pain to provide a statement to the police which helped secure Durham’s apprehension and also a conviction in this case.”
Durham faces pending charges in both Worcester and Hamdpen County related to the June 2020 Northampton incident.