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Family of New Bedford Woman Killed by Drunk Driver Vows Justice
Mary Ptaszenski's family says $5,000 bail for the suspect is a "slap in the face".
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The family of a 70-year-old New Bedford woman who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver is vowing to fight for justice. Mary Ptaszenski was walking on the sidewalk with a friend when 34-year-old Andrew Johansen allegedly hit them with his car. Ptaszenski later died from her injuries, and Johansen was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol, among other offenses. Ptaszenski's son, Ronald Ptaszenski Jr., says the $5,000 bail set for Johansen is unacceptably low and that the family plans to attend every court hearing.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on families. The family's fight for justice also raises questions about bail policies and whether they adequately protect the public from repeat offenders.
The details
According to police, Johansen hit Ptaszenski and her friend as they were walking on the sidewalk along Coggeshall Street. Ptaszenski was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries but later died. Johansen was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of liquor, driving with an open container of alcohol, and a marked lane violation. He was released on $5,000 cash bail with a GPS monitor and instructions not to drive or drink alcohol.
- The incident occurred on Friday morning.
- Johansen was arraigned on the charges on Friday.
- Ptaszenski's next court date is scheduled for Friday, March 6.
The players
Mary Ptaszenski
A 70-year-old woman from New Bedford who was killed by a suspected drunk driver while walking on the sidewalk.
Andrew Johansen
A 34-year-old man from Dartmouth who was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of liquor, driving with an open container of alcohol, and a marked lane violation.
Ronald Ptaszenski Jr.
The son of Mary Ptaszenski who is vowing to fight for justice and higher bail minimums in his mother's case.
What they’re saying
“That $5,000 bail is a slap in the face. That has hurt my family more than anybody can imagine.”
— Ronald Ptaszenski Jr., Son of Mary Ptaszenski (WPRI)
“There's no reason this guy should have walked out like that. That $5,000 bail is just an insanely low number for somebody's life. Especially for motor vehicle homicide. Really. It's not like it was an accident. This guy drank. This guy went around another car, sped up, smoking his tires, and hit my mother.”
— Ronald Ptaszenski Jr., Son of Mary Ptaszenski (WPRI)
What’s next
Johansen's next court date is scheduled for Friday, March 6, and the Ptaszenski family plans to attend every hearing to fight for higher bail minimums and justice for Mary's death.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the need for stronger drunk driving laws and bail policies that better protect the public from repeat offenders. The Ptaszenski family's fight for justice aims to prevent similar heartbreak and ensure that drunk drivers face appropriate consequences for their actions.
