Yesterday evening, an SUV collided with a Massachusetts State Police cruiser on Storrow Drive, causing significant damage. According to WHDH, the accident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. near Kenmore Square, and the trooper inside the cruiser was transported to the hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
The driver of the 2013 Acura SUV, Melvin Lopez, 32, of Chelsea, was placed under arrest at the scene. Massachusetts State Police informed that he is now facing several charges, which include operating under the influence of alcohol. NBC Boston reports the back of the cruiser and the front of the Acura suffered a significant damage.
In a subsequent court appearance this morning in Boston Municipal Court, Lopez pleaded not guilty. According to WHDH, he was released on a $500 bond and is expected back in court come February. Additional terms of his release include no alcohol consumption, with the condition of being subject to random testing.
Moreover, NBC Boston adds that as a result of the incident, Lopez's license has been suspended. The state police has not released further details about a trooper's condition post the crash, but initial statements confirm that his injuries were not considered life-threatening. Moving forward, Lopez's arraignment has set the stage for what may become a stringent reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence.
