Oxford man named as driver in crash that killed 10-year-old child

PLAINVILLE, MA — According to Massachusetts State Police, an Oxford man stole a car from a Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium, then sped away and caused a crash that killed a 10-year-old child.

Michael Escolas, 42, of Oxford was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to a local hospital where he remains in police custody.

According to state police records, Escolas was traveling at a high rate of speed in this stolen 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee around 8:30 p.m. According to police, Escolas then rear-ended a Nissan Altima that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495.

The Nissan that was hit was carrying a family of six: a mother, a father and their four children. One of these children was the 10-year-old who was killed. The other five family members suffered serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.

Three other cars were involved in the crash and sustained damage. According to police, personnel from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CARS) division, the Crime Scene Services (CSSS) division and the Norfolk County Criminal Investigation Division were also involved in the investigation and responded to the scene.

The accident and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation by the Norfolk County Criminal Investigation Department.