FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Stoneham Police Charge Motorist with Drunk Driving after Crash Destroys Four Utility Poles Early Sunday Morning

STONEHAM — Police Chief James McIntyre and Fire Chief Matthew Grafton report that the Stoneham police and fire departments responded to a motor vehicle crash early Sunday morning that resulted in the destruction of four utility poles, a road closure, power outages, and the arrest of a motorist for drunk driving.

RYAN T. CARNEY, AGE 22, OF WOBURN was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Police officers and firefighters responded at 12:43 a.m. to William Street after receiving multiple 911 calls about a serious motor vehicle crash.

First responders arrived to find three utility poles down and another heavily damaged and leaning. There were also wires strewn about the roadway. Officers also found two males near a residential fence at the intersection of William Street and Alden Avenue. Nearby was a 2009 Acura MDX wedged between a damaged utility pole, a rock, and the fence. A wheel and tire had come off the vehicle and separated. They were located several feet away from the rest of the Acura. At least one other vehicle was damaged in the crash.

The two men were evaluated and declined medical treatment. CARNEY was identified as the driver and the other male, also a 22-year-old Woburn man, was determined to be a passenger in the Acura.

CARNEY was slurring his speech and had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Officers determined he was under the influence, and  CARNEY was placed under arrest after being evaluated by emergency medical personnel.

There are power outages in the neighborhood as utility crews work to replace the downed poles. The roadway is expected to be closed for most of Sunday.

No residents were injured.

“This is a very serious incident in which, once again, a person has too much to drink and gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle,” Chief McIntyre said. “The result was an incredibly destructive crash, but somehow no one was serious injured today. We are grateful for that.”

Chief Grafton praised the work of first responders during the incident and afterward.

“The clean-up process is complex and multifaceted, with utility poles, wires, and damaged vehicles that must be dealt with,” Chief Grafton said. “We will go through this process methodically to ensure the safety of all first responders and residents in the neighborhood, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as this work is ongoing. This is the most widespread amount of damage I have seen from a single vehicle crash in my career.”

CARNEY will be arraigned Monday in Woburn District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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