Salem man charged in crash that killed Salem police officer

SALEM, Mass. — A criminal complaint has been issued against a Salem man in connection with the June 2020 motor vehicle crash that took the life of an off-duty Salem Police officer, the Essex County District Attorney’s office said Thursday.

Juan Marinez, 26, of Salem has been summoned to appear in Salem District Court on March 3, 2021 to be arraigned on Motor Vehicle Homicide by Reckless Operation, Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation, Speeding, and Marked Lanes Violation.

Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney’s Office sought the complaint after an investigation that included the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the Essex District Attorney’s Office.

At approximately 11:05 pm on June 26, 2020, Salem Police responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of 317 Jefferson Ave.

When officers arrived, they found a Toyota Corolla and a Ford Fusion, each with one occupant, that had collided head-on. Both drivers were transported to North Shore Medical Center in Salem. Shortly after arriving, the driver of the Toyota, identified as Salem Police Officer Dana Mazola, 56, was pronounced dead.

Marinez, the driver of the Ford, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

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

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