$50K bail for teen accused of DUI slam into BC senior

A Weston man was ordered held on $50,000 bail today after he allegedly ran down a Boston College senior early yesterday morning while allegedly driving drunk.

Benjamin Knott, 18, blew a 0.18 and 0.20 on a Breathalyzer after he allegedly struck Bethany Pfalzgraf, 21, of Londonderry, N.H., as she crossed St. Thomas More Road at about 12:55 a.m., according to State Police Lt. David Wilson and Assistant District Attorney Mike Callahan.

Knott was driving his parents Toyota Land Cruiser at the time of the crash, Callahan said. Pfalzgraf, who sustained “serious” injuries, was listed in good condition this morning at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, according to state police and a hospital spokesman.

Pfalzgraf was alone when she was struck, said BC spokesman Jack Dunn. Witnesses said she was unconscious and bleeding, according to Callahan. There are several student dormitories and an administrative building on St. Thomas More Road, Dunn said.

Knott was apprehended by BC police after a bulletin was sent out about his SUV. After the accident, Knott drove on to the Boston College campus where he was arrested as he tried to exit the grounds, Dunn said. He added Knott has no connection to Boston College.

The teen failed a field sobriety test, had red, glassy eyes, slurred speech and smelled of liquor, Callahan said. He added Knott told police he was visiting a friend at BC.

“This is a very serious case,” Callahan said.

Knott grew up in Sudbury and later moved to Weston where he lived with his parents and two sisters, ages 13 and 16, said his attorney, Thomas Dreschler. His mother, Lisa, was in court, but declined comment.

Knott is a graduate of Noble and Greenough Academy, Dreschler said. He has been admitted to Elon University in North Carolina but has taken this year off to study oceanography and work, Dreschler said. He added Knott has no criminal record.

He is charged with leaving the scene of personal injury and death, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury, and negligent operation.


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