Police: Boston City Councilor going more than double speed limit with revoked license before crash

BOSTON — A Boston City Councilor will appear in court next week to answer to charges that she crashed an unregistered and uninsured vehicle while driving at more than double the posted speed limit on a revoked license.

According to a newly released Boston Police report, Councilor Kendra Lara was driving 53 mph in a 25 mph zone when she crashed into a Jamaica Plain home with her son Zaire in the car in late June.

The report also says Lara had her driver’s license suspended in 2013 after she failed to pay the fine for a seat belt violation. And then revoked in 2015 following a citation in Connecticut.

Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries at 803 Centre Street Friday afternoon. Upon arrival, officers observed the vehicle inside the home’s left side.

Lara’s vehicle went through the metal fence outside the home, then crashed into and drove over the bushes before colliding with the left side of the house, causing significant damage to the home, police noted.

Upon investigation, Councilor Lara was traveling inbound on Centre Street when another car began to pull away from the curb. According to the report, Lara swerved the car left to avoid a collision with the other vehicle and could not hit the brakes fast enough before colliding with into home.

Lara had her child in the backseat of the vehicle but not in a booster or car seat according to an officer who . According to Boston police, “All children riding in passenger motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years of age or over 57 inches tall. Children older than 8 years of age or taller than 57 inches must wear seat belts.” Lara stated she and her son were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The child suffered injuries including bruising around the left eye and a deep laceration on the left eyebrow. Both Lara and her son were treated at Children’s Hospital.

DCF was contacted as a result of the child not being in the car seat.

“It was a scary situation for everyone involved but thankfully Councilor Lara and Zaire are expected to make a full recovery, " a statement said. “She asks for privacy at this time.”

According to the city’s payroll, Lara was paid $99,519.25 in 2022.

The owner of the home Lara crashed into told Boston 25 News the crash was a frightening experience.

“It was a shock. Anybody would be shocked to find a car on their lawn up against their house,” said Georgia Kalogerakis. “I am very thankful, anybody could have been walking by so we have to be thankful it wasn’t worse.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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