MICHAEL JAMES LOPEZ, AGE 61, of EAST BRIDGEWATER, was arrested by East Bridgewater Police on Friday, March 13. (Photo Courtesy East Bridgewater Police Department)
EAST BRIDGEWATER — The East Bridgewater Police Department arrested a man on drunken driving charges Friday night after a department K-9 tracked and located a suspect who fled from the scene of a crash.
MICHAEL JAMES LOPEZ, AGE 61, of EAST BRIDGEWATER, was arrested and charged with:
- Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Second Offense)
- Leaving the Scene of Property Damage
On Friday, March 13, at about 8:55 p.m., Officer Collin Briggs responded to a single-car motor vehicle crash in the area of 82 Tardie Terrace.
Upon arrival, officers located a gray Toyota Prius with both front tires over the curb and a flat front passenger-side tire. The driver was no longer at the scene.
Through an on-scene investigation, officers determined the driver was LOPEZ. Officers responded to his nearby home, but determined he was not there.
Officer Joshua DeJesus and K-9 Thor then began a track from the crash scene. The K-9 track led officers about a quarter-mile away to Highland Street, where LOPEZ was located lying on the ground.
While speaking with LOPEZ, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol.
A subsequent investigation determined that LOPEZ had been operating under the influence. He was taken into custody without incident.
“Officer DeJesus and K-9 Thor did outstanding work,” said Chief Michael Jenkins. “Thor was able to pick up the track and lead officers directly to the suspect. This is a great example of how a well-trained K-9 team can help officers locate suspects quickly and safely.”
LOPEZ was arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court. He was released on personal recognizance.
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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