Trial to begin for Vermont man in Route 2 crash that injured family of four

The Franklin County Justice Center in Greenfield.

The Franklin County Justice Center in Greenfield. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz

By DOMENIC POLI

Staff Writer

Published: 01-21-2025 6:23 PM

GREENFIELD — The required 12 jurors have been selected for the trial of a Vermont man accused of causing a head-on crash on Route 2 that resulted in serious injuries to a Rhode Island family of four in 2023, with witness testimony expected to begin Wednesday.

One or two alternate jurors will be picked and Javery Hattat’s trial, projected to last until Monday, will begin shortly after, with Judge Tracy Duncan presiding in Franklin County Superior Court.

Hattat has pleaded not guilty to four counts of negligent operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs resulting in serious bodily injury, four counts of reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B substance (cocaine) and failure to stay within marked lanes. He posted bail in Greenfield District Court and his cause was later transferred to Superior Court due to its severity. His bail was transferred, but then revoked in October after he allegedly tested positive for cocaine.

Hattat allegedly fell asleep at the wheel near Longview Tower on Route 2 in Greenfield on March 12, 2023, and crashed into a vehicle carrying a family headed home from a Berkshire East Mountain Resort ski trip. Authorities allege Hattat was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.

Hattat is represented by attorney R. David DeHerdt. First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne and Assistant District Attorney Aidan Lanciani are prosecuting the case.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.