Suspect arraigned in death of Waltham man who died after altercation at local gas station

A Waltham man died due to an alleged road rage incident at a local gas station. Nicholas Dagostino, 23, of Waltham, was reportedly assaulted on May 27 and subsequently died from his injuries on May 29. 

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan held a press conference on Monday morning to announce the arrest of Timothy Scalisi, 31, of Waltham, on charges of manslaughter and assault and battery with serious bodily harm in connection with the incident. 

On May 27 at approximately 8:49 a.m., police responded to reports of a physical altercation at Woodside’s Service Station on Weston Street. Upon arrival, police spoke to Dagostino, who was sitting on the steps of the station rubbing his head. According to details shared at the press conference, Dagostino said he was attempting to turn into the gas station parking lot when his path was partially blocked by a vehicle being driven by Scalisi. Dagostino and Scalisi exchanged words and got out of their vehicles. The men got into a physical altercation, during which Scalisi allegedly picked Dagostino up and “brought him violently to the ground.” 

After the assault, Dagostino became confused and nauseous, vomiting before being brought to Lahey Burlington Medical Center for treatment. Doctors determined he had suffered a brain bleed and a skull fracture. 

Dagostino died due to his injuries on May 29. 

Scalisi was arraigned before Judge Ellen M. Caulo on the morning of June 8 at Waltham District Court on one count of manslaughter and one count of assault and battery with serious bodily injury. He posted the required $10,000 cash bail and was released from custody. A pretrial hearing for his case is set for July 2.

Ryan shared photos of where the incident took place as well as images of the vehicles driven by both Dagostino and Scalisi. She encouraged anyone who had seen anything to contact the WPD. According to Ryan, Dagostino was wearing a dark-colored shirt at the time of the incident, and Scalisi was wearing a light-colored shirt.

Waltham police Sgt. William Champion requested that anyone who was in the area of the gas station between approximately 8:40 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. on May 27 and witnessed the incident contact the WPD. Champion advised people who drove through the area with dash cams to review the footage to see if they had caught anything. Champion noted that an important piece of evidence that led to the arrest of Scalisi was captured by Flock Safety cameras in the area.

Members of the public with information can contact the WPD’s tip line at 781-314-3636, email tips@police.waltham.ma.us or call the WPD detective bureau at 781-3314-3550.

CORRECTION: The article originally stated that Scalisi “was ordered held at Middlesex Jail.” Scalisi has posted the $10,000 bail and is now released.