Driver in Massachusetts Apple store crash claims ‘foot was stuck’

The driver who crashed his car into an Apple store in Massachusetts on Monday morning – killing one person and injuring at least 16 others – said he was unable to stop the car because his foot was stuck on the accelerator.

Bradley Rein, 53, was arrested hours after his 2019 Toyota SUV crashed into the storefront in Hingham and charged with reckless homicide.

According to a police report, Rein said “his right foot got stuck on the accelerator and his vehicle accelerated,” WCVB reported.

He then used his left foot to try to brake, but was unable to stop the SUV from entering the store.

“Mr. Rein said he used his left foot to try to brake but was unable to stop the vehicle and the vehicle crashed in front of the Apple Store,” the report said.

Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said on Monday that first responders arrived at the scene of the crash to find bystanders providing first aid to victims. The shocking incident took place less than an hour after the store opened for the day.

At least 16 people with varying degrees of injuries were taken to area hospitals. It is not known how many people were inside the store at the time.

“This morning was an unthinkable morning, and people are trying to get through it and figure out what happened,” Cruz said. “This investigation is active and ongoing.”

A New Jersey man, identified as Kevin Bradley, 65, was found dead at the scene.

Bradley, who worked for GMS Construction, was with a colleague carrying out repairs outside the store when he was hit by the SUV.

“We are devastated by the shocking events at Apple Derby Street today and the tragic loss of a professional who was on hand to support the store’s recent construction,” Apple said in a statement Monday.

“Our hearts go out to our team members and customers who were injured and to all those affected by this terrible incident. We are doing everything we can to support our team members and customers during this very difficult time. »

At his arraignment in Hingham District Court on Tuesday, Rein was charged with reckless driving homicide and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. He is being held on $100,000 cash bail.

According to the police report, there were no drugs or alcohol in his system, and he has no medical issues that would affect his ability to drive. Rein also told police that he maintains his vehicle regularly and has no mechanical issues.

Rein does not have a criminal record in Massachusetts, but was previously cited for driving under the influence in Roxbury Vermont in 2020, according to Vermont State Police.

The Apple store, located in a shopping center called Derby Street, will be closed until crews can assess structural integrity, officials said.