SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A West Springfield truck driver involved in an accident that killed seven motorcyclists over the weekend in New Hampshire, was taken into custody after his arraignment in Springfield on Monday .
Massachusetts State Police arrested 23-year-old Volodymyr Zhukovskyy at his West Springfield home early Monday morning, on a fugitive from justice charge stemming from a warrant issued out of New Hampshire.
22News was in Springfield District Court when Zhukovskyy pleaded not guilty to the fugitive from justice charge, waived extradition and handed over to New Hampshire authorities, where he faces seven counts of negligent homicide.
Original Story: West Springfield man involved in crash that killed 7 people
The 23-year-old was identified as the operator of a Westfield Transport truck that collided with 10 motorcyclists in Randolph, New Hampshire, Friday night. Out of the 10 motorcyclists involved in the crash, seven died and three suffered injuries. 22News spoke with Zhukovskyy’s attorney after Monday’s arraignment.
“It’s tragic for the victims and it’s tragic for his family too,” said Attorney Donald Frank. “I’m hoping everyone will be respectful towards the people who died in this case and respectful of what he has to go through. Justice will be meted out.”
According to Damien Gasanov of Westfield Transport, Zhukovskyy was on his way back to western Massachusetts when the accident occurred. The 23-year-old was a new driver and the trip was his second with the company.
Read More: Victims of deadly New Hampshire accident identified
State Police spokesman David Procopio told 22News troopers allegedly found wax packets containing a substance believed to be heroin while searching Zhukovskyy’s home. He could face additional charges if the substance turns out to be an illegal narcotic once it’s tested.
This photo provided by Miranda Thompson shows the scene where several motorcycles and a pickup truck collided on a rural, two-lane highway Friday, June 21, 2019 in Randolph, N.H. New Hampshire State Police said a 2016 Dodge 2500 pickup truck collided with the riders on U.S. 2 Friday evening. The cause of the deadly collision is not yet known. The pickup truck was on fire when emergency crews arrived. (Miranda Thompson via AP) 
Motorcyclists participate in a “Blessing of the Bikes” ceremony in Columbia, N.H., Sunday, June 23, 2019. While such ceremonies are periodically held, the Sunday event held special meaning for the motorcycle community. Bikers and veterans are reeling from a crash, in which a pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer collided with a group of 10 motorcycles Friday evening. (AP Photo/Lisa Rathke) 
Motorcyclists participate in a “Blessing of the Bikes” ceremony in Columbia, N.H., Sunday, June 23, 2019. While such ceremonies are periodically held, the Sunday event held special meaning for the motorcycle community. Bikers and veterans are reeling from a crash, in which a pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer collided with a group of 10 motorcycles Friday evening. (AP Photo/Lisa Rathke) 
Motorcyclists participate in a “Blessing of the Bikes” ceremony in Columbia, N.H., Sunday, June 23, 2019. While such ceremonies are periodically held, the Sunday event held special meaning for the motorcycle community. Bikers and veterans are reeling from a crash, in which a pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer collided with a group of 10 motorcycles Friday evening. (AP Photo/Lisa Rathke) 
This photo provided by Miranda Thompson shows the scene where several motorcycles and a pickup truck collided on a rural, two-lane highway Friday, June 21, 2019 in Randolph, N.H. New Hampshire State Police said a 2016 Dodge 2500 pickup truck collided with the riders on U.S. 2 Friday evening. The cause of the deadly collision is not yet known. The pickup truck was on fire when emergency crews arrived. (Miranda Thompson via AP) 
Motorcyclists attend the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony in Columbia, N.H. on Sunday, June 23, 2019. The long-planned ceremony for motorcycle enthusiasts became a scene of mourning and reflection as about 400 people paid tribute to seven bikers killed Saturday in a devastating collision with a pickup truck. (AP Photo/Lisa Rathke) 
Motorcyclists attend the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony in Columbia, N.H. on Sunday, June 23, 2019. The long-planned ceremony for motorcycle enthusiasts became a scene of mourning and reflection as about 400 people paid tribute to seven bikers killed in a devastating collision with a pickup truck. 
Flags are placed at the scene of an accident involving motorcyclists with a club comprised of ex-United States Marines, who collided late Friday with a pickup truck on a rural highway in Randolph, N.H., Saturday, June 22, 2019. Investigators pleaded Saturday for members of the public to come forward with information that could help them determine why the pickup truck hauling a trailer collided with a group of motorcycles on a rural highway, killing several bikers. (AP Photo/Michael Casey) 
Tire marks are visible Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the scene of a deadly crash involving motorcyclists with a club comprised of ex-United States Marines, who collided with a pickup truck on a rural highway late Friday in Randolph, N.H. Investigators pleaded Saturday for members of the public to come forward with information that could help them determine why the pickup truck hauling a trailer collided with a group of motorcycles on a rural highway, killing several bikers. (AP Photo/Michael Casey) 
Bill Brown, a 73-year-old Vietnam vet from Bethlehem, N.H., visits an area in Randolph, N.H., Saturday, June 22, 2019, where motorcyclists with a club comprised of ex-United States Marines collided with a pickup truck on a rural highway late Friday. Investigators pleaded Saturday for members of the public to come forward with information that could help them determine why the pickup truck hauling a trailer collided with a group of motorcycles on a rural highway, killing several bikers. (AP Photo/Michael Casey) 
(AP)
Court documents show that Zhukovskyy was arrested on May 11 for driving under the influence in East Windsor, Connecticut. He was released on a $2,500 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.
In 2018, Zhukovskyy also pleaded guilty to sixth-degree larceny for his involvement in a burglary at an Enfield Home Depot warehouse in 2014, the Journal Inquirer reports.
He was also arrested on a drunk driving charge in 2013, according to the Associated Press. Massachusetts RMV records show that Zhukovskyy was placed on probation for one year and had his license suspended for 210 days in 2014 in connection with that arrest.
