The Attleboro Sun Chronicle reports that one of two alleged drunk drivers charged in the death of a state trooper worked in the probation department, where he monitored drunk drivers and other criminals required to wear electronic monitoring bracelets.
Kenneth Weiand, 43, of Walpole, faces a Massachusetts drunk driving charge in connection with the Friday accident. Authorities allege he attempted to drive past Sgt. Doug Weddleton, who was blocking an exit ramp as road crews established a construction site. While the trooper was out with Weiand, a pickup driven by Anthony Perry, 45, of Boston slammed into the stopped car, fatally injuring Weddleton.
The Bristol County District Attorney's Office reports Weiand's blood-alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit of .08 for drunk driving in Massachusetts. Perry's blood-alcohol level was .07, below the legal limit. The media reports that Weiand will not be committed for a mental health evaluation, despite concerns regarding his mental health in the wake of the accident. He is due back in court on Aug. 5 for a pretrial hearing. He is employed by the Boston Municipal Court system as an electronic monitoring coordinator.
As we reported on our Massachusetts DUI Attorney Blog, Perry is facing charges of Massachusetts OUI and vehicular homicide. He was released on $10,000 bail and is due back in court on Aug. 5.
Meanwhile, Weddleton's family is thanking the community for the outpouring of support, the Enterprise News reported.
