Fall River Firefighter Faces Negligent Operation Charge After Dramatic Crash Into Residence

On Friday, the Fall River Police Department released a motor vehicle crash report that indicates Fall River Fire Lt. Jason Burns received four traffic citations related to the April 9 accident that sent him to Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The event was captured on a home security camera and showed Burns ran a stop sign at the intersection at Montgomery and Reading Streets at 5:11 p.m. After failing to stop, Burns is seen continuing on Montgomery Street, side swiping a parked car, then losing control and swerving into a home.

The video also shows Burns backing out with what appears to be steam coming from under the vehicle, then stops when the front passenger wheel falls off. 

The report indicates both the parked car and Burns’ vehicle were towed from the scene.

The Fall River Reporter filed a public records request on Wednesday with an inquiry into all records of the accident and police body-worn camera footage.

By law, the police department has ten business days to provide the camera footage.

The report indicates that the parked car is owned by the homeowner whose property was hit by Burns.

Police officer Aubree Thibeault, who authored the report, indicated Burns vehicle hit bushes in front of the house which appeared undamaged. The city building inspector did eventually inspect the property.

While not included in the report, several sources claim Burns asserts that he fell asleep at the wheel. The report does not indicate what if any injuries the veteran firefighter suffered.

He’s been cited for negligent operation of a vehicle, marked lane violation, unregistered motor vehicle, failure to stop and marked lane violation. 

If found guilty of negligent operation of a vehicle, he could lose his driver’s license for up to six months.