The defense attorney for embattled Lawrence Mayor Brian Depena, who was arraigned Friday on federal pandemic loan fraud and money laundering charges, crashed his car while fleeing a horde of reporters following Depena’s arraignment.

A Herald photographer who attended the arraignment at the Moakley Federal Courthouse says attorney Carlos Apostle had left the courthouse through the back door to the parking lot in an apparent attempt to avoid speaking with the press. After arguing with reporters in defense of his client, Apostle hurried to his car, which was parallel parked on the street outside the courthouse, and allegedly drove directly into the car parked in front of him in an attempt to get away from approaching reporters.

Apostle then reportedly got out of his car, stopped to take photos of the crash with his cell phone, and drove away.

Depena was arrested by federal agents Friday morning on charges of $1.5 million of pandemic loan fraud and money laundering, allegedly using the funds to pad his campaign account while also paying off nearly $900,000 worth of personal taxes, mortgages on various properties, and high-interest debt.

He faces up to 30 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.