Suspect in Fatal New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Crash Charged With OUI Manslaughter

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — The man accused of driving drunk in the fatal crash on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge that killed a 28-year-old Fairhaven man has now been arraigned..

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, Robert Campbell, 62, was arraigned on Thursday, June 5 on charges of OUI manslaughter and OUI second offense related to the fatal crash that killed Mason Evich.

Bail was set at $15,000 and Campbell must submit to a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) three times per day, not drive a vehicle, report weekly to probation and surrender his passport.

READ MORE: Fairhaven Man Killed in Crash on New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge

“The Commonwealth was prevented from asking the Court to hold the defendant without bail as a danger as the charges do not qualify as predicate offenses under the statute, M.G.L. Ch 276, Section 58A,” the D.A.’s Office said.

Campbell is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial conference on July 21.

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Campbell Accused of Drinking and Driving

It is alleged that on February 20, Campbell had been drinking at The Bitter End in Fairhaven, and then left the bar and traveled over the bridge.

“While on the bridge, the defendant crossed over the center double yellow line, crossing into the victim’s lane and striking his vehicle head on. Mason Evich was killed as a result of the motor vehicle collision,” the D.A.’s Office said. “The Commonwealth further alleges that the defendant had a blood alcohol content of over .20 at the time of the collision.”

Campbell was driving a GMC Sierra pickup and allegedly struck the Tesla being operated by Evich. Evich was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Campbell was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford with serious injuries.