Bradley Rein, 53, was charged Monday night with reckless homicide by motor vehicle after the horrifying incident in Hingham, Massachusetts, earlier in the day. Rein appeared in Hingham District Court on Tuesday.
Bail was set at $100,000 and Rein was ordered not to drive a motor vehicle while the case was ongoing. He was also ordered to remain in Massachusetts unless he obtains permission to leave. His next court date was set for December 22.
Police identified the person killed as Kevin Bradley, 65, of New Jersey. Apple described him as “a professional who was onsite supporting recent construction,” in a statement, according to Reuters.
Bradley leaves behind a wife, adult children and grandchildren. He was remembered as a much-loved person in tributes posted online by shocked friends. Danny Letts posted on Facebook: “RIP Kevin Bradley. You were a good man and a good friend. We will raise a glass together again someday…until then know that you will be missed by many.”
The incident, which occurred about 13 miles south of Boston, came during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, just three days before Thanksgiving.
Witnesses said that Rein, who lives in Natick, Massachusetts, drove through the glass storefront at about 60 mph and came to a halt after plowing into the far wall at about 10:45 a.m.
Witnesses said the bloodied driver was conscious and talking as he was pulled from the wreckage. Several of the wounded shoppers who were rushed to a hospital were severely hurt, with some said to be suffering from life-threatening injuries or at risk of losing limbs, according to the BBC.
“The dark-color SUV went through at a rate of speed undetermined through a glass window and struck multiple people,” Hingham Police Chief David Jones told reporters on Monday.
Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz said Rein was arrested “as a result of the extensive investigation” by Massachusetts State Police and Hingham Police.
Rein told investigators that he was looking for an eyeglass store when his right foot became stuck on the accelerator of his Toyota 4Runner, according to court documents cited by CBS News. He said he tried to use his left foot to brake but was unable to stop.
He told investigators he had no medical issues that would impair his ability to drive, according to the documents. Investigators said a preliminary breathalyzer test resulted in a reading of 0.00 percent.
Rein was issued a citation for drunk driving after a crash in Roxbury, Vermont, on December 29, 2020. Newsweek obtained the Vermont State Police report, which describes the incident as a “single vehicle crash.” Rein was subsequently released from custody and the DUI was later expunged.
Newsweek reached out to authorities for further information.
Update 11/22/22, 11:32 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
