Thursday, 4:30 PM
Springfield man accused of running BMW off road in attempt to kill female passenger
By Globe Staff
A 64-year-old Springfield man was arraigned on attempted murder and other charges today after police said he purposely drove his BMW off the Massachusetts Turnpike and rammed several trees in an unsuccessful effort to kill his female passenger.
Harold D. Palmer was driving a 2000 BMW 323I west on the Mass Pike in Ludlow Wednesday night when he got in a fight with a woman in the car, according a statement from State Police. The woman was described only as an "adult female." A police spokesman said that the department’s policy was to not discuss relationships between suspects and victims.
During the fight, Palmer drove off the right shoulder of the roadway and into the woods, striking several trees, police said. Both Palmer and his passenger were wearing seatbelts, and they were not injured in the crash.
Palmer was also charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery, operating to endanger, and a marked lanes violation. He pleaded not guilty today in Palmer District Court, according to Hampden District Attorney William M. Bennett's office. He was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing set for June 25.
