A Bridgewater man is facing Massachusetts drunk driving charges in connection with a Taunton OUI accident involving a state trooper, the Taunton Gazette reported.
Matthew Charette, 24, has pleaded not guilty to drunk driving in Taunton District Court. The crash occurred on Route 24 early Saturday morning and injured a state trooper and another motorist.
In the last month, a trooper has been killed and three other troopers have been injured after being hit by passing motorists. Four drivers are facing drunk driving charges in connection with the accidents.
Prosecutors allege that Charette had a blood-alcohol level of .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08 for drunk driving in Massachusetts. He is due back in court on Sept. 30.
Police say he crashed his 1996 Volkswagen Jetta into the back of a state trooper's cruiser, which was pulled over with activated flashing lights in the northbound breakdown lane of Route 24 in Taunton. The force of the crash pushed the cruiser into the rear of a 2006 Chrysler Sebring driven by a 22-year-old Brockton motorist who had been pulled over for a traffic violation.
Authorities say Charette's car flipped over as a result of the collision and he was found hanging upside down in his seat belt. Prosecutors say alcohol was found in his car and Charette admitted that he had been drinking. Investigators believe he may have fallen asleep before the crash because they found no skid marks or other evidence that he tried to stop.
Charette works at Bridgewater State College, where he is also a graduate student. His attorney said he has no prior criminal record.
Taunton Criminal Defense Attorney Michael DelSignore represents clients facing OUI charges, and other serious misdemeanor and felony offenses in Taunton and the surrounding areas, including Berkley, Dighton, Raynham, Seekonk, Easton and Rehoboth.
The Law Office of Michael DelSignore is conveniently located in Attleboro. Call (508) 455-4755 for a free consultation, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
