Pepperell officer injured after cruiser struck by alleged drunken driver

PEPPERELL — Chief David Scott reports that a Pepperell police sergeant is recovering at home today after his marked cruiser was struck by an alleged drunken driver earlier Sunday morning. The operator involved in the incident was arrested at the scene.

Rosemary Miller, 21, of North Chelmsford is charged with:

* Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

* Negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

* Failure to yield at an intersection.

Around 12:25 a.m., Sgt. Nick Parker was traveling east on Main Street in Pepperell in a fully marked Ford Explorer police cruiser when he was struck by a 2000 Honda Accord at the intersection of Main, Carter and Pleasant streets.

Traffic laws required the Honda to stop upon accessing Main Street. According to witness reports, the vehicle never slowed down and proceeded to crash into the front, driver’s side of the cruiser.

The impact from the crash spun the Honda Accord 270 degrees. The cruiser skidded approximately 150 feet off the road, narrowly missing a dry cleaning establishment and a bank of gas meters.

“This is an example of what can happen when someone gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol,” Chief Scott said. “We are thankful Sgt. Parker is okay. It could have been a lot worse.”

Sgt. Parker was temporarily trapped inside his cruiser due to the severe damage to its driver’s side. The operator of a vehicle traveling behind Sgt. Parker stopped and helped him exit through the passenger’s side door. Sgt. Parker was taken to Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer via ambulance with minor injuries.

Miller was placed under arrest. The suspect’s male passenger, according to witnesses, fled the scene on foot.

“We are aware of the passenger’s identity, but why he ran remains under investigation,” Chief Scott said.

Miller is scheduled to be arraigned at Ayer District Court on Monday.

Chief Scott would like to thank the Pepperell Fire Department and neighboring police departments for their assistance securing the crash scene and arresting the suspect. He would also like to recognize the Pepperell police officers involved in the incident.

“We have many dedicated employees here who go above and beyond their call of duty,” Chief Scott said. “Officer Jared Carrubba was tasked with dealing with an injured colleague trapped inside a destroyed cruiser and an OUI arrest at the same time. He handled the situation extremely well. Reserve Officer Paul Nelson heard the incident on the scanner and came in to assist in any way possible. Sgt. Armando Herrera put his vacation on hold to help out and Lt. Todd Blain came in from home to process the scene. I commend these officers for their hard work.”