Brockton, Massachusetts – Vasco Semedo appeared in court wearing handcuffs for his arraignment on Monday, facing charges related to a violent incident that resulted in the death of pedestrian Stuart Smith, 50. The prosecutor detailed a brutal attack in which Semedo allegedly hit Smith twice with his SUV before proceeding to assault him with a brick.
According to Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague, the incident unfolded on North Main Street, where surveillance footage captured Semedo intentionally accelerating his vehicle to strike Smith. Following the collision, Semedo exited his SUV and proceeded to strike Smith with a brick over 20 times, as Smith lay injured on the ground until bystanders intervened.
Police responded to the scene around 8:52 a.m. on Saturday after receiving a call reporting the vehicle-pedestrian incident. Witnesses recounted how Semedo, driving a blue Toyota RAV4, deliberately hit Smith with his vehicle before assaulting him with the brick. Semedo was arrested at the scene and taken to the police station for booking.
During questioning, Semedo provided conflicting accounts of the incident, initially claiming it was an accident involving either a person, a dog, or a doll. He later admitted to hitting Smith with his car, explaining the blood on his clothing and hands as a result of the collision.
Surveillance footage showed Smith walking along the sidewalk before Semedo accelerated his car, striking Smith intentionally. Semedo then reversed his vehicle, hitting Smith for a second time as he attempted to flee. The assault with the brick followed, leading to Smith’s death from the injuries sustained in the attack.
Prosecutors revealed that Semedo, a Cape Verde native residing lawfully in the United States for about two years, does not have a prior criminal record. The case is the latest in a series of fatal crashes involving pedestrians and apparent road rage incidents in Massachusetts, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance on road safety.
Semedo is scheduled to appear in court again on May 14, as further details surrounding the case continue to develop. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.