Former Patriot Brandon Spikes to be charged for early-morning crash

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) - Massachusetts State Police issued a citation charging former New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes with a hit-and-run that injured a family of three in Foxborough early Sunday morning.

Spikes, whom the team cut during the investigation, will be charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, operating a motor vehicle negligently to endanger, speeding and failure to stay within marked lanes.

State police investigators determined that Spikes was driving his 2011 Mercedes Maybach around 3:30 a.m., when he crashed into the Billerica family's Nissan Murano on Route 495 and abandoned the luxury car on a median, a spokesman for the agency said in a statement Friday.

Inside the car were driver, Saida Forountani, her husband, Sam Lashgari, and their 12-year-old autistic son, Iman. All were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released, state police said.

When contacted by Mercedes roadside assistance following the crash, Spikes allegedly reported that he had hit a deer.

Marc Breakstone, the attorney representing the family, said his clients are satisfied with the charges and are still recovering from the emotional trauma.

"It's surprising to them that Mr. Spikes would drive so recklessly and then just leave the scene," Breakstone said. "It will affect them for a long time. This could've been a story with a tragic ending."

Breakstone said the family will file a claim against Spikes' insurance and they may sue the 27-year-old player.

"It's a scary thing to happen to anyone, particularly a family with a young disabled child," Breakstone said. "The parents are treating for their injuries, and, at the same time, they're very thankful that things didn't turn out much worse."

Breakstone would not specify what physical injuries the family suffered, only calling them "not life-threatening."

Calls made to Spikes' agent were not returned on Friday.

Breakstone said he expects Spikes to be arraigned within a week or two in Wrentham District Court.

Cox Media Group