Boston City Councilor crashed ‘unregistered’ car with ‘revoked license’, according to police report

BOSTON — A Boston City Councilor has been summoned to court to answer charges that she crashed an unregistered and uninsured vehicle while driving on a revoked license.

According to a statement released by her office, Councilor Kendra Lara, who represents Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury, and her son Zaire were in a car accident near the Monument in Jamaica Plain.

According to the police report obtained by Boston 25, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries at 803 Centre Street Friday afternoon. Upon arrival, officers observed the vehicle inside the home’s left side.

Boston Police redacted Lara’s name and other details in the report provided to Boston 25. 25 Investigates viewed an unredacted draft version provided by a source.

Lara’s vehicle went through the metal fence outside the home, then crashed into and drove over the bushes before colliding with the left side of the house, causing significant damage to the home, police noted.

Upon investigation, Councilor Lara was traveling inbound on Centre Street when another car began to pull away from the curb. According to the report, Lara swerved the car left to avoid a collision with the other vehicle and could not hit the brakes fast enough before colliding with into home.

Lara had her child in the backseat of the vehicle but not in a booster or car seat according to an officer who . According to Boston police, “All children riding in passenger motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years of age or over 57 inches tall. Children older than 8 years of age or taller than 57 inches must wear seat belts.” Lara stated she and her son were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The child suffered injuries including bruising around the left eye and a deep laceration on the left eyebrow. Both Lara and her son were treated at Children’s Hospital.

DCF was contacted as a result of the child not being in the car seat.

The report said Lara was also driving with a revoked license and the vehicle she was driving was found to be unregistered with no insurance and had an expired inspection sticker.

Lara is due in West Roxbury District Court and is being charged with the operation of a motor vehicle after suspension, operation of an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

“It was a scary situation for everyone involved but thankfully Councilor Lara and Zaire are expected to make a full recovery, " a statement said. “She asks for privacy at this time.”

According to the city’s payroll, Lara was paid $99,519.25 in 2022.

The owner of the home Lara crashed into told Boston 25 News the crash was a frightening experience.

“It was a shock. Anybody would be shocked to find a car on their lawn up against their house,” said Georgia Kalogerakis. “I am very thankful, anybody could have been walking by so we have to be thankful it wasn’t worse.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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