Full Breakdown
Off-Duty Hanover Police Officer Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
2/19/2026, 1:06:39 AM
Incident Overview
Thomas Hayes, a 36-year-old officer with the Hanover Police Department, has been charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident following personal injury or death. The charges stem from an incident early Monday morning in Brockton, Massachusetts, where Hayes is accused of fatally striking 23-year-old Alfredo Alves with a Ford Explorer and subsequently fleeing the scene.
Sequence of Events
On February 13, 2026, Hayes was reportedly driving home after a night of drinking with friends, which included attending a Daytona 500 party and visiting the Boardroom Cabaret, a strip club in Brockton. Witnesses indicated that Hayes was driving aggressively and had been drinking throughout the evening. Shortly after leaving the club, he allegedly hit Alves, who was found unresponsive in a snowbank near the intersection of Battles and Cross Streets around 12:30 a.m. on February 14. Alves was transported to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began when a passenger in Hayes' vehicle reported his involvement in the crash. This witness identified Hayes as the driver and noted that the Ford Explorer had sustained significant damage, including a shattered windshield. Police located the vehicle at Hayes' residence, where it matched the description provided by witnesses. Surveillance footage confirmed Hayes was driving the SUV prior to the collision. He was arrested at approximately 7:10 a.m. on February 14, with officers noting a strong odor of alcohol upon his arrest.
Official Statements and Responses
Hanover Police Chief Timothy Kane expressed condolences to Alves' family, stating, “Any loss of life is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those affected.” He emphasized the department's commitment to high standards of conduct for its officers, both on and off duty. Following the incident, Hayes was placed on administrative leave, and he is prohibited from operating any motor vehicles as a condition of his release on $15,000 cash bail.
Criticism and Family Response
Alves' family has publicly expressed their grief and frustration over the incident. Anilton Alves, the victim's father, lamented, “When he hit him he should have stopped and saved him. Nothing can bring him back.” The family criticized Hayes for not stopping after the collision, suggesting that he could have potentially saved Alves' life.
What's Next
Hayes has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to appear in court again on March 31, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing, led by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While multiple sources confirm the details of the incident, discrepancies exist regarding the timeline and specific actions taken by Hayes and his passengers immediately following the crash. Further investigation may clarify these details as the case progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any loss of life is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those affected.” — Timothy Kane, Hanover Police Chief
- “When he hit him he should have stopped and saved him. Nothing can bring him back. This pain [is] never going to be the same. He could have saved him,” — Anilton Alves, Victim's Father
