Chief Patrick Keefe
32 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Andover Police Arrest Woman for OUI Drugs Following Incident at Bancroft School
ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe reports that the Andover Police Department arrested a woman yesterday after she allegedly drove her child to school while under the influence of drugs.
MARY ELLEN SHAY, AGE 41, OF ANDOVER is charged with:
- OUI Drugs
- Wanton/Reckless Behavior to a Child
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
On Monday, Nov. 14, at approximately 10:30 a.m., police responded to the Bancroft Elementary School, 15 Bancroft Road, on a report that a woman appeared to be impaired while dropping off her child.
Upon arrival, police learned that a parent, later identified as SHAY, pulled into a parking lot in front of the school and then escorted her daughter into school.
As part of the Bancroft School’s drop-off policy, parents are required to sign students into a logbook. While doing so, staff members noticed that SHAY was having difficulty and appeared to be mumbling incoherently. Staff then contacted Andover Police.
Following an investigation, police determined that SHAY was under the influence of drugs and placed her under arrest. She was booked at the Andover Police Department and later released on bail.
“This is an extremely unfortunate situation where this parent put her life and her child’s life at risk by operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs,” Chief Keefe said. “We are thankful that no one was injured.”
The Department of Children and Families has been notified of the incident.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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