READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department arrested a juvenile for operating under the influence of liquor among other charges early Saturday morning.
A 17-YEAR-OLD READING JUVENILE was arrested and charged with:
- OUI – Liquor
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Marked Lanes Violation\
- Mobile Phone Usage by Operator Under 18
- Possession of Liquor by Person Under 21
On Saturday, Sept. 7, at about 12:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Main St. and Birch Meadow Drive for reports of a car that crashed into a pole.
Upon arrival, officers observed a Chevrolet Trax emitting smoke on the road. Officers also located the operator of the vehicle, a JUVENILE MALE.
The male had evacuated the vehicle before officers’ arrival and an off-duty paramedic who observed the crash was also on scene. The JUVENILE did not report any injuries.
An initial investigation revealed that the JUVENILE was responding to a text when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed.
While speaking with the JUVENILE, officers observed a strong odor of alcohol emanating from him and that he was struggling to maintain balance.
In a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found an open can of alcoholic seltzer on the car floor.
The parent and JUVENILE declined for the JUVENILE to take field sobriety tests.
The JUVENILE was arrested without incident.
The JUVENILE will be arraigned at a date yet to be determined in Middlesex County Juvenile Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.