HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – The following HN Report is based on arrest paperwork filed in Barnstable District Court by Patrolman David Ragucci of the Barnstable Police Department:

Yesterday – Monday, August 19, 2024, at around 9:00 p.m. – Barnstable Police patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Studley Road, Ocean Ave, and Sea Street for a single vehicle crash into trees near Keys Beach, according to multiple callers. According to callers, the black Ford had a blown front tire when it proceeded to flee the area, taking a right onto Gosnold Street.

When Patrolman Ragucci arrived in the area on Sea Street, he reportedly observed multiple pedestrians running toward his cruiser, frantically pointing down Gosnold Street. The pedestrians stated the vehicle was just involved in a crash and was now fleeing the scene.

While driving down Gosnold Street, Patrolman Ragucci reportedly observed additional pedestrians directing him toward Harbor Road where they said the vehicle had just turned. At the intersection of Gosnold and Harbor Road, Patrolman Ragucci then reportedly observed a case of “White Claws” alcoholic beverages that appeared to be freshly discarded on the side of the roadway. Two juveniles on bicycles then reportedly pointed officers in the direction of Warren Ave.

While turning left onto Warren Avenue, Patrolman Ragucci reportedly observed two males standing to the rear of a 2012 black Ford Fusion bearing Massachusetts Registration 3GTK42. The Ford was reportedly still running.

When asked who had been operating the vehicle, a male named German Vergara Estrella stated he was. The other male, identified as Jose Pasten, said he was the registered owner of the Ford Fusion. Both men were detained while officers investigated further. A strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was reportedly coming from both German and Pasten. Jose reportedly appeared to have an alcoholic beverage covering his shirt…

Jose Pasten then reportedly told officers that he had let Estrella drive his vehicle because he did not see well at night. Estrella reportedly admitted to driving the vehicle through a puddle when it hydroplaned into a curb prior to the crash…

The Ford was reportedly covered with leaves and branches, inside and out. There was significant damage to the front of the vehicle. The front bumper was reportedly completely missing. The muffler was reportedly dangling onto the pavement and both rear tires were flat.

Officers asked Estrella if he had a driver’s license, and he reportedly said no.

Jose Pasten then reportedly told officers that they fled the crash because they were scared. Officers then advised Pasten that he was being cited for permitting Estrella to drive his vehicle while unlicensed. Additionally, dispatch confirmed that the registration for Pasten’s vehicle was revoked for not having insurance.

Witnesses reportedly told officers they observed Estrella as the driver and Pasten as the passenger.

Estrella reportedly passed field sobriety testing despite smelling like alcohol. A language line was used during the investigation to help with translation. Estrella reportedly apologized to officers for “what had transpired this evening,” as worded in the report. While speaking with Estrella, he reportedly acknowledged several times he did not possess a driver’s license.

Witnesses reportedly told officers they “had heard the Ford traveling south on Sea Street at a high rate of speed, approximately 90MPH.” The vehicle was witnessed striking a curb near the intersection of Sea Street and Gosnold Street. The vehicle then reportedly veered into the oncoming lane prior to striking another curb. “The Ford subsequently traveled through the grass at 247 Ocean [Ave], while striking a tree, a fence, an additional tree, a landscape island, and began to depart the property towards Keyes Beach while striking an additional tree. A large debris field was observed on the property. Ptl. Jackson advised several witnesses corroborated these statements,” according to Patrolman Ragucci’s report.

A member of the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit responded to photograph evidence prior to the vehicle being towed.

German Vergara Estrella, 28, currently said to be residing in Hyannis, was arrested and is being charged with Unlicensed Operation (Ch. 90 Sect. 10), Negligent Operation (Ch. 90 Sect. 24), and Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage (Ch. 90 Sect. 24).

Jose Paston, [age and address unavailable at time of this report], was issued a citation and is being summonsed for Unregistered Motor Vehicle (Ch. 90 Sect. 9), Uninsured Motor Vehicle (Ch. 90 Sect. 34J), and Permitting Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (Ch. 90 Sect. 12b).

* All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is a brought to you by Art Hodes… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]

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