For Immediate Release

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017

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

Dracut Police Investigating After Pickup Truck Crashes into Town DPW Building

DRACUT — Chief Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department is investigating after a pickup truck crashed into the town Department of Public Works building on Saturday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the structure.

As a result of the incident and investigation, MICHAEL GAGNON, AGE 50, OF DRACUT was arrested and charged with:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Possession of an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverages in a Motor Vehicle (Two Counts)

Dracut Police and Fire responded to 833 Hildreth St. at 4:05 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders found a Ram 1500 pickup truck that had crashed into the corner of the building.

An investigation determined that GAGNON had veered off the roadway and crashed into the building. Police found open containers of alcohol in the damaged truck, and GAGNON was arrested at the scene. He did not sustain serious injuries and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene.

No one was inside the DPW building at the time of the crash.

“We are very fortunate that this crash was not more serious, and we are very relieved that no one was inside the building or walking in the area at the time, this could have been a tragedy,” Chief Bartlett said. “All too often, drunk driving results in fatal consequences. Bricks and drywall can be repaired, but not lives destroyed by drunk driving. Incidents like this remind us how important this issue remains today.”

The building sustained extensive damage and will be evaluated by a building inspector before it is allowed to re-open.

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