Driver Charged in Fatal Pedestrian Strike in Medford

A Medford woman is charged with driving under the influence of drugs after she struck and killed a pedestrian in Medford Saturday evening, police said.

Police say two people--Maria Galeas, 40, and her mother, 62, also named Maria Galeas, were standing behind a 2003 Honda Accord that was parked on the eastbound shoulder of Horseblock Road when they were struck by a 2009 Nissan Altima driven by Elizabeth Peacock.

Both of the pedestrians, of Medford, were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center, where the younger Galeas was pronounced dead. The mother was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A 5-year-old girl, the daughter/granddaughter of the victims, was restrained in a car seat in the Accord at the time of the crash, which took place just east of Maine Avenue. The girl was not injured.

Peacock, 45, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. She will be arraigned at a later date, police said.

Police are are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.