Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone Jr. and Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said today that criminal citations have been issued in connection with the death of Paul Leone, 18, of Arlington, in an automobile crash on April 17. Matthew P. Clarke, also 18, of Arlington, has been cited for felony motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol, operating to endanger and speeding.

 

According to authorities, at about 12:15 a.m. on April 17, Arlington and Lexington police responded to a reported single automobile crash at 40 Westminster Ave., Arlington. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered a white automobile sticking out of the side of the home.

 

Based on observation of the scene, police concluded that the motor vehicle was traveling eastbound on Westminster Avenue, struck the curb and went over a stone wall and into the side of the house.

Leone was removed from the front passenger side of the vehicle, transported to Lahey Clinic in Burlington and pronounced dead at about 1:15 a.m.

 

Clarke was removed from the front driver’s seat, where he was determined to be the driver of the vehicle. He was transported to Beth Israel Hospital and treated for his injuries. Multiple paramedics observed the odor of alcohol on Clarke, according to a press release issued by the Middlesex DA's office.

Clarke has been summonsed for arraignment in Cambridge District Court on June 28.

The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Melinda Thompson. The victim witness advocate is Helena Clarke.

 

Note that Gerald Leone is not related to John Leone, father of Paul. 

 

[Posted 2:20 p.m., May 1, 2007]