New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Massachusetts State Police early this morning responded to a three-vehicle crash on Route 3 in Chelmsford that resulted in a fatality and the arrest of a suspected drunk driver.
Troopers from the Andover Barracks responded to the crash at approximately 1:24 a.m. on the northbound side of Route 3, north of Exit 32. Preliminary investigation by Troopers indicates that a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta operated by CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON, 38, of Nashua, N.H., rear-ended a 1996 Toyota Camry operated by a 63-year-old Hudson, N.H., man while both vehicles were in the middle travel lane. Following the impact the Jetta became disabled in the middle lane and the rear-ended Camry came to rest across the right lane and the breakdown lane, perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Preliminary investigation further indicates that right after that initial impact, a 2006 Jeep Cherokee was being operated northbound in the middle lane by a 28-year-old Lowell man. Investigation indicates that the Cherokee’s driver swerved to his right to avoid the Jetta disabled in front of him and struck the Camry that was disabled across the right and breakdown lanes.
The driver of the Camry was transported by ambulance to Lowell General Hospital, where he died from his injuries. His identity will not be released today.
The two other operators suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Investigation by Trooper Robert Holland led to the determination that THOMPSON, the Jetta’s driver, was under the influence of alcohol.
State Police have charged THOMPSON with operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a state highway traffic violation. Charges could be upgraded based on the results of the continuing investigation.
A bail clerk set bail at $5,000 cash; the defendant posted bail and will be arraigned in Lowell District Court this coming week.
The driver of the Cherokee is not charged as of this time. The continuing investigation will determine whether charges are warranted against that operator.
The crash remains under investigation by Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and State Police Detective Unit for Middlesex County.
