Donald Palma Jr., Chief of Police
99 Pleasant Street
Groton MA 01450
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Groton Police Arrest Ayer Man Who Allegedly Drove Drunk, Struck Bicyclist, and Fled the Scene
GROTON — Police Chief Donald Palma Jr. and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan report that Aaron Delollis, 35, of Ayer, was arraigned in Ayer District Court Wednesday after he allegedly struck a bicyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol and then fled the scene.
On Tuesday, July 12, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Groton Police responded to report that a bicyclist had been struck by a car that fled the scene on Hill Road in Groton. There, they found a 54-year-old Devens man, who had sustained serious injuries. The Groton Fire Department ambulance arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local area hospital.
Police also received a description of the involved vehicle, which officers quickly located abandoned at the intersection of Hill Road and West Main Street. The vehicle had severe front end damage.
A K-9 unit responded to the scene to search for the driver, who was later found in a wooded area on West Main Street. Police identified him as Delollis and allegedly determined the defendant was intoxicated, and arrested him without incident.
Delollis was booked at the Groton Police Department. At arraignment the defendant was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of a personal injury, leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, using a motor vehicle without authority, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, speeding and a marked lanes violation.
Judge J. Elizabeth Cremens set bail at $5,000 cash, and if released, ordered the defendant to consume no drugs or alcohol and be subject to random screens. The defendant was also ordered held on a probation violation. The next scheduled hearing in this case is Friday, August 12.
“Witnesses to the crash and neighbors in the area proved to be of invaluable assistance, providing information that ultimately helped police locate the fleeing driver,” Chief Palma said. “This is a great example of police and the community working together to bring justice to this case.”
“The defendant in this case was allegedly intoxicated when he struck a bicyclist on the road causing the victim to sustain a head injury before fleeing the scene,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This type of reckless behavior compromised not only the safety of the victim, but any individuals who were in the vicinity of the defendant Tuesday night.”
These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Barnes.
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