Boston city councilor facing charges in Jamaica Plain car crash has a history of driving violations

Public driving records show that Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara, who is facing charges after crashing her car into a home in Jamaica Plain on Friday, has a history of driving offenses.

Lara's Massachusetts driving record, under her previously used name Kendra Hicks, shows multiple violations and sanctions, including driving a vehicle in Dorchester without registration in 2010. The record also indicates Lara failed to appear at court in Connecticut after allegedly running a traffic sign in 2014.

On Friday, Lara was trying to avoid another car when she veered off the road and crashed into a house on Centre Street, a spokesperson for Lara's office said.

A police report indicates that Lara was driving with a revoked license, in a car that was unregistered and uninsured. It also had an expired inspection sticker. The police report redacted Lara's name; her office confirmed the details of the incident.

Lara was traveling with her young son, Zaire, who was transported to Boston Children's Hospital for stitches. Lara did not report any major injuries.

"It was a scary situation for everyone involved but thankfully Councilor Lara and Zaire are expected to make a full recovery," Lee Nave Jr., Lara's chief of staff, said in a written statement.

Police contacted the Department of Children and Families after the crash because Lara's son was not secured in a proper booster seat, according to the police report.

The report said Lara will be summonsed to appear at the Boston Municipal Court's West Roxbury Division to face charges of operating a motor vehicle after suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Lara represents District 6 on the Boston City Council, which includes Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Roslindale. She was elected in 2021.

The crash is the second involving a high-profile Boston elected official in less than a month. A police vehicle carrying Mayor Michelle Wu with its lights and siren activated ran into another car at a red light in Roslindale in June.