A 16-year-old Cranston resident has been charged in a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 18 on Pippin Orchard Road.

At about 10:02 p.m., Cranston police officers responded to a head-on collision involving an Infiniti G37 and a Mercedes-Benz GLA. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. The Infiniti came to rest against a tree on private property after colliding with the Mercedes.

A front-seat passenger in the Mercedes, identified as Jack Safford, 84, of Florida, suffered significant internal injuries and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 20. The driver of the Mercedes — Mr. Safford’s daughter — was treated for minor injuries and later released. The juvenile driver of the Infiniti was also treated for minor injuries at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and released.

A passenger in the Infiniti fled the scene before officers arrived.

Over the last several weeks, the Cranston Police Department has conducted a thorough investigation in coordination with prosecutors from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. The investigation included, but was not limited to:

• Analysis of physical evidence at the scene
• Interviews with witnesses
• Forensic examination of the juvenile's cellphone
• Mechanical inspections of both vehicles
• Retrieval and analysis of event data recorders from both vehicles

The findings indicate that the juvenile was traveling southbound on Pippin Orchard Road at 74 mph in a 25-mph zone about five seconds before the crash. The driver failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the double yellow centerlines and struck the Mercedes head-on as it traveled north. Following the collision, the Infiniti continued off the roadway and struck a tree.

Disclaimer: All individual(s) described as being charged in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was charged on June 26 in Rhode Island Family Court with the following offenses:

• Driving to Endanger Resulting in Death (Felony)
• Driving to Endanger Resulting in Physical Injury (Misdemeanor)

The court placed the juvenile on home confinement with electronic monitoring and ordered the surrender of his driver’s license. Additionally, the following traffic citations were issued:

• Speeding (more than 11 mph over the posted limit)
• Conditions Requiring Reduced Speed
• Laned Roadways Violation
• Use of a Personal Wireless Communication Device by a Minor While Operating a Motor Vehicle

The juvenile had received his learner’s permit on Sept. 4, 2024, and was issued a provisional license on April 21, 2025.

On behalf of the Cranston Police Department, the chief of police, Col. Michael J. Winquist, extends condolences to the Safford family during this difficult time. He also commends the investigators from the department’s Traffic Unit for their diligent efforts on this challenging case.