North Ender John Paolo Severely Injured in Commercial Street Accident

Johnny Paolo, shown here in happier times, was injured in a crash on Commercial Street

Well-known North End resident, Johnny Paolo, was badly injured on Thursday, May 18, 2012 in an accident shortly after 9:00 pm on Commercial Street, below Copp’s Hill Terrace near the foot of Jackson Avenue.

While on a Vespa-like scooter, Johnny was riding on Commercial Street from the direction of North Washington Street toward Hanover Street when he passed two parked “Ghosts and Graveyards” tour buses that were double-parked on Commercial Street.  Both buses were parked over the bicycle lane and out into the single lane of traffic while waiting to pick up passengers who were touring the Copp’s Hill Burial Ground.

While in the process of passing one of the parked buses, Johnny drove directly into the rear of a pedicab, that was also passing the parked buses.  John and his scooter went down and he lost consciousness.  The pedicab operator was uninjured.

Police, Fire Dept. and ambulances arrived quickly.  John who remained unconscious the entire time, was quickly transported to a hospital.  The police department were onsite for quite a while.

Johnny Paolo, easily recognized by his character sunglasses, is often seen playing bocce and helping out in neighborhood activities.

As of Friday morning, John is undergoing surgery and the outlook for recovery is being described as uncertain.

General location on Commercial St. where the accident occurred.

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