For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Man Crashes Car into Staples in Reading, Arrested for OUI Drugs

READING — Deputy Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department arrested a man this afternoon after he crashed his motor vehicle into the front of Staples.

JONATHAN ROBBINS, AGE 36, OF NORTH READING, is charged with:

• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
• Leaving the Scene of Property Damage
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle to Endanger
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked License

At 12:46 p.m., Reading Police received a report that a gray Honda Odyssey had crashed into Staples, 34 Walkers Brook Drive.

A witness at the scene reported the incident after he saw the motor vehicle drive into a front pillar of staples, back up and then flee the scene.

The witness immediately dialed 911 and followed the vehicle out of the parking lot, keeping Reading Police informed of its route of travel.

Reading Police were then able to locate the car and conduct a motor vehicle stop on Salem Street at Wilson Street.

Following an on scene investigation, the driver, identified as ROBBINS, was placed under arrest. The Honda, which had sustained heavy front end damage, was towed from the scene.

ROBBINS was transported and booked at the Reading Police Department, where he is being held on bail pending his arraignment at Woburn District Court.

The Reading building inspector reported that there is no structural damage. Staples remained open following the incident.

No injuries were reported.

“The shopping plaza where Staples is located is a busy area and we’re very lucky that there were no injuries, especially given the amount of pedestrians walking around outside today,” Deputy Chief Clark said. “We want to thank the witness for immediately reporting the incident to police and following the car at a safe distance so we could locate the suspect and place him under arrest.”

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