Man charged with vehicular homicide out on bail

Dartmouth resident Andrew Johansen, who was charged for hitting and killing Mary Ptaszenski with his car, is out on bail. 

Johansen was allegedly driving under the influence when he drove onto a sidewalk in New Bedford and hit 70-year-old Ptaszenski. She died in the hospital of her injuries. 

He claims he swerved onto the sidewalk because of ice on the road. When police arrived at the scene, Johansen consented to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, but refused a breathalyzer test at the station.

Johansen was charged with manslaughter while operating under the influence, motor vehicle homicide operating under the influence of liquor and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. 

His case was originally held in district court, but was moved to Superior Court in Fall River. 

Johansen paid a $5,000 bail in District Court on Feb. 2, before being heard in Superior Court on Wednesday, May 13.

A not guilty plea was entered for all charges. During his court hearing on May 13, he was arraigned and had bail set at $5,000 with a set of conditions. 

Under the conditions of his bail, Johansen cannot operate a motor vehicle, refrain from alcohol, he must comply with remote alcohol breath testing three times a day, comply with electronic monitoring, a curfew of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and submit to random testing. 

He is now out on bail until his next court hearing on Aug. 26.