For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Charge Trucker With DUI Following Weekend Crash

BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski reports that the Bedford Police Department arrested a trucker on DUI charges following a crash on Route 101 early Saturday morning.

JAMES BALDWIN, AGE 47, OF FITZWILLIAM was arrested and charged with:

• Aggravated Driving Under the Influence
• Conduct After Accident
• Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol

On Saturday, June 29, a Bedford Police officer, who was parked in the center median of Route 101 before Route 114, observed a tractor trailer unit turn left onto Route 101 and travel westbound. Shortly thereafter, the officer heard a crash and scraping sound and observed the tractor trailer hit the guard rail in the area of Old Bedford Road before continuing to drive erratically, including swerving in traffic.

The officer immediately stopped the truck on Route 101 near Bedford Center Road and made contact with the driver, BALDWIN, who allegedly had bloodshot eyes and was profusely sweating, while a strong odor of alcohol came from his breath. BALDWIN subsequently submitted to and ultimately failed multiple field sobriety tests before being taken into custody.

A subsequent breath test indicated that BALDWIN was over the legal limit, and an inventory of the inside of his truck yielded an open can of beer.

“Drinking and driving is always dangerous, but doing so while operating an 18-wheel tractor trailer unit is especially egregious,” Chief Bryfonski said. “I’m thankful that one of our officers was nearby and able to apprehend this individual before he potentially inflicted further damage or potentially serious injury to a fellow driver.”

BALDWIN was released on personal recognizance bail ($40) and is due in court on July 9.

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

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