Cranston man accused of fleeing scene of deadly highway crash appears in court

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — A man facing charges after a deadly crash in North Attleborough appeared in Attleboro District Court on Tuesday.

Joseph Pompei, of Cranston, was given $50,000 bail. If he posts bail, he will not be allowed to drive.

Pompei, 50, is accused of causing a multi-car wreck around 4 p.m. Monday on Interstate 95 by exit 7.

Massachusetts State Police said 58-year-old Randall Ricketts, of Foxborough, was killed. Two others in his car were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where they are stable.

Prosecutors argued in court that Pompei initially got out of his car and shrugged, then got back in and took off.

Joseph Pompei appears in Attleboro District Court in connection to a fatal crash in North Attleborough, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. (WLNE)

Troopers later found Pompei fixing his tire not far from the crash.

Police reported that he appeared confused and incoherent, claiming that he thought he had hit a tree.

He was charged with motor vehicle by negligent operation, leaving the scene of an accident — death resulting, and two counts of the leaving the scene of an accident, causing personal injury.

Pompei is not accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

His attorney told media outside of court that Pompei did not believe that he hit another car and was not responsible for the cause of the crash.

His next court date is set for Oct. 5.