Southborough police say a Franklin man wound up in handcuffs early Thursday after his car allegedly sped past an active traffic stop on Turnpike Road and came close to hitting officers working the scene. The driver, identified as 48-year-old Daniel Fishman of Franklin, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. According to police, a search of his vehicle turned up suspected narcotics along with dozens of prescription pills. Fishman was later released after posting $250 cash bail, with a condition that he leave with a sober ride, police said.
Police: Suspected Cocaine, Meth And Dozens Of Pills Seized
In a press release shared through John Guilfoil Public Relations, Southborough police say officers who were conducting a separate motor-vehicle stop on Turnpike Road were passed by a vehicle that "nearly struck" them. Officers identified the driver as Daniel Fishman, 48, of Franklin. They allege a search of the glove box turned up plastic baggies containing powdery substances suspected to be cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. According to the same release, police say they also found 90 prescription pills inside an opened mail bag in the trunk, along with 20 additional pills in a bottle in the center console. The department lists a long slate of drug and driving-related charges and says Fishman posted $250 cash bail before being released from custody.
Charges Cover Drug And Motor-Vehicle Offenses
According to the department's account, Fishman faces an operating under the influence of drugs charge, along with multiple counts tied to alleged drug possession. Police say those counts include possession of Class B substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and amphetamines, as well as Class E possession charges for medications described as including sildenafil and omeprazole. On the motor-vehicle side, the department says he is also charged with operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, unlicensed operation, negligent operation, marked-lanes violations, obstruction of a stationary emergency vehicle and a second-offense electronic-device violation. Police say the case will be handled at a later arraignment in Westborough District Court.
Turnpike Road Has Been A Focus For Patrols
Local reporting indicates that Turnpike Road and the broader Route 9 corridor have been a recurring focus for Southborough police traffic enforcement and drug-related investigations. As reported by MySouthborough, the department has recently shared multiple patrol and incident reports tied to stops on Turnpike Road. The town's Select Board agenda this spring also noted a recognition for Officer Theodore “Theo” Davis, who received an outstanding OUI-enforcement award, highlighting the department's ongoing emphasis on cracking down on impaired and unsafe driving along that busy stretch.
Legal Implications
Under Massachusetts law, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense that can carry fines, license consequences and possible jail time. State guidance outlines the statutes and potential penalties that apply in OUI cases. Drivers are also required to slow down and, when practicable, move over for stationary emergency and service vehicles under the state's move-over rules, which can come into play in obstruction or related traffic charges when officers are working at a roadside stop. For a deeper look at the relevant statutes and penalties, see Mass.gov.
What Happens Next
Police say Fishman is expected to be arraigned in Westborough District Court at a later date and that the department's investigation remains open. According to the release, Chief Ryan Newell used the incident as a reminder for drivers to stay alert behind the wheel and to move over for emergency vehicles whenever possible, stressing that roadside safety is critical for both officers and passing motorists. The department notes that additional court filings or a formal charging decision will mark the next public steps in the case.
