Bridgewater, Mass. – The driver accused of striking two Bridgewater State University students on Saturday morning appeared in Brockton District Court on Monday. Steven Mayle, 44, entered a not‑guilty plea to charges that include attempted murder, leaving the scene of a crash and other offenses.
Court proceedings and mental‑health concerns
During the hearing, Mayle expressed remorse, saying, “I’m so sorry.” Assistant District Attorney Samantha Mullin emphasized the seriousness of the incident, noting that video evidence shows Mayle’s vehicle jumping a curb and entering the crowd of students near the Moakley Center at about 10:45 a.m.
Mayle’s defense attorney argued that the crash was not a deliberate act, describing it as “at worst a tragic accident that was precipitated by a mental‑health crisis.” The court heard testimony from Dr. Niklos Tomich, who said Mayle was unaware of the charges and potential penalties and recommended that he be committed to Bridgewater State Hospital for further evaluation. The judge ordered the commitment, and Mayle was held without bail pending a competency hearing after a 20‑day hospital stay.
Related road‑rage incident
Police also linked Mayle to a separate road‑rage episode earlier that Saturday in East Bridgewater. According to officers, a driver exited a black vehicle at a railroad crossing on West Street, shouted at the driver of a white SUV, and displayed a knife before returning to the vehicle. Witnesses later identified Mayle as the driver involved in both incidents, and investigators are seeking the driver of the white SUV for additional statements.
University response and community reaction
Bridgewater State University reported that roughly 10,000 people were on campus when the crash occurred. President Frederick Clark Jr. issued a statement expressing sympathy for the injured students and their families, and confirmed that campus police have been in contact with the families and are providing support.
Students on campus described the event as “very out of the ordinary and really scary.” Meera Watkin, who was present at the time, said the incident will make the campus community more alert moving forward.
Next steps
Mayle’s case will return to court for a competency hearing after his stay at Bridgewater State Hospital. Authorities continue to investigate the road‑rage incident and are asking anyone with information to contact the East Bridgewater Police Department.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
