Authorities say Michael Escolas stole an SUV parked at a Kenny Chesney concert before crashing while operating under the influence, leaving a child dead.
A man accused of stealing an SUV from a Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium and causing a crash that killed a 10-year-old boy over the weekend in Plainville, Massachusetts, appeared in court Monday.
The incident occurred Saturday at the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495, according to Massachusetts State Police, who said 42-year-old Michael Escolas of Oxford was under the influence when he allegedly stole the SUV during the concert.
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Escolas allegedly rear-ended a Nissan Altima occupied by a couple and their four children at a red light. They were all taken to hospitals with serious injuries; the 10-year-old was later pronounced dead, according to authorities.
In his police report, Trooper Timothy Racine of the Massachusetts State Police wrote that he found Escolas in a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Vermont plates. According to Racine, Escolas said he came from Tony's Pizza in Millbury, which he said was "right over there" despite the town being 40 minutes from the crash site.
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When asked where he was, Escolas allegedly told Racine he believed he was on Route 146 in Millbury.
Racine added that Escolas, who was wearing a blue wrist band marked "floor access," said he was at Chesney's concert but left early.
Escolas is charged with motor vehicle manslaughter while operating under the influence. Other charges against him include nine counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as charges of larceny of a vehicle, negligent operation and his second offense of operating under the influence of liquor. He was also cited for traffic violations.
Before his arraignment Monday in Wrentham District Court, Escolas was held on a $25,000 cash bail. During the arraignment, his bail was set at $100,000. He is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Sept. 19.
"We are deeply saddened and extend our sincerest condolences to the family who has tragically lost a loved one," a Gillette Stadium spokesperson said in a statement. "We are working with the Massachusetts State Police, who are doing the investigation under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Once again, we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family."
