Boston College student hit by alleged drunk driver

CHESTNUT HILL (FOX25, myfoxboston) - A Boston College student is in critical condition after getting hit by an alleged drunk driver.

State police say Bethany Pfalzgraf, of Londonderry, N.H., was walking on St. Thomas More Road in Brighton when she was hit by a car early yesterday morning.

The driver, 18-year old Benjamin Knott, was arrested and charged with OUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Knott was arraigned today in Brighton on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury. Bail was set at $50,000.

Knott was driving on St. Thomas More Road in Brighton shortly before 1a.m. on Sunday morning when he struck Pfalzgraf. The victim was rushed to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Boston College Police located a green 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser with significant front-end damage, including a broken headlight consistent with fragments found at the scene of the impact.

The troopers administered field sobriety tests, which Knott failed. Knott first blew a .18 and then a .20 - both indicating that his blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit to drive.

Knott, who is not a student, will return to court on Jan. 13.