Assault After Vehicle Collision

 On May 17 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Officer Gian Micheletti was dispatched to the area of Little Red Hen Preschool on Old Forge Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident. While driving to the scene, Officer Micheletti observed that the two vehicle operators involved in the accident were fighting in the area of the train trestle. The reporting party explained that the other vehicle operator struck the front bumper of the reporting party’s vehicle while trying to pass. After they collided, both vehicles pulled into the breakdown lane. The driver who had reportedly caused the collision exited his vehicle, walked over the driver’s window of the reporting party’s vehicle, and struck the reporting party in the face with a closed fist three times. Officer Micheletti observed the reporting party’s skin around the left eye to be swollen and bruised.

The assaulter claimed he attempted to pass the other vehicle to avoid being brake-checked. He reported that as he started to pass in front, the reporting party swerved into his vehicle, causing the collision. He admitted to striking the reporting party’s face. He was placed into handcuffs by Officer Micheletti and transported in the patrol vehicle to WPD headquarters. He was released with a summons to appear in District Court. He has been charged with Simple Assault and/or Battery and cited for Overtaking on the Right. The reporting party has been cited for Places Where Parking/Stopping Prohibited.

DUI

On May 16 at approximately 10 p.m., Officer Connor Bemis was on a DUI traffic enforcement detail in the area of Oakland Beach Ave and West Shore Road. Officer Bemis observed a GMC pickup truck driving at high speeds on Oakland Beach Avenue with both of the vehicle’s passenger side tires completely over the solid white lane line into the breakdown lane. Officer Bemis estimated the vehicle to be traveling 47 mph in a 35-mph zone. Officer Bemis stopped the vehicle for the observed violations.

The officer immediately observed the driver to have bloodshot and watery eyes, speak with slurred speech and have the scent of alcohol emanating from his breath. The officer also observed marijuana in a cup holder next to the driver. The officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle, and he informed the officer that he had been driving erratically because he had been texting while driving. The officer asked the driver to submit to a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, to which he agreed. The officer then administered the first test, after which the driver refused to continue with the tests. The driver asked repeatedly if there were any actions the officer could take to avoid arresting him.

Officer Bemis concluded that the driver had been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs. The driver was then taken to WPD headquarters, where he refused to consent to a chemical test. After a check of the driver’s criminal history it was determined he would be charged with DUI B.A.C. Unknown 2nd Offense, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, and several traffic citations including Use of Emergency Breakdown Lane and Speeding 11+ in Excess of Posted Speed Limit.