32-year-old man hit by Fairhaven police cruiser has died, DA’s office says

State police and the Bristol County DA’s office are investigating the crash.

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FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — The pedestrian involved in a crash with a Fairhaven Police cruiser on Tuesday evening died on Thursday night according to a press release from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

The victim, identified as 32-year-old Christian Lapaz-Dejesus from New Bedford, died around 8:30 p.m. at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Lapaz-Dejesus was hit near 188 Huttleston Avenue by a police cruiser around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Lt. Kevin Kobza said in a statement. The officer driving the cruiser stopped and called for medical help.


A Fairhaven police cruiser was covered with a blue tarp at the scene. Investigators could be seen photographing the area around the cruiser and the vehicle itself.

Massachusetts State Police along with the Bristol County district attorney’s office are assisting with the investigation.

The officer involved in the crash, who has not been named, has been placed on administrative leave, as is protocol.

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