Massachusetts State Police to investigate New Bedford Councilor Dunn’s car accident

By Brendan Kurie
New Bedford Guide Contributor

A Massachusetts State Trooper will be investigating a three-car accident involving Ward 3 City Councilor Hugh Dunn, according to Bristol County District Attorney spokesman Gregg Miliote.

The DA’s office spoke with the New Bedford police and were provided investigative materials, Miliote said.

On Thursday night, Mayor Jon Mitchell mentioned the DA’s investigation to WJAR-TV on Thursday in his first public comments on the incident, when he questioned why Dunn wasn’t subject to a field sobriety test.

“That’s a legitimate question to be raised, and the district attorney will make sure that investigation is run the ground,” Mitchell told WJAR. “It is concerning that there wasn’t a field sobriety test, so the police department is looking at exactly why that wasn’t done.”
Dunn wasn’t cited or arrested following a three-car accident on South Water Street around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Dunn’s vehicle struck two unoccupied, parked cars before coming to a stop a short distance away. He told police in a statement that he was coming from a late dinner downtown and had taken Benadryl due to allergies from a new dog.

The responding officer said he did not see any signs of alcohol consumption in Dunn, although he was disoriented.

“The NBPD is now working in cooperation with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office to assist in the review of the May 1 incident involving New Bedford Councilor Hugh Dunn,” Acting Chief Paul Oliveira said in a statement. “Our priority is to conduct a thorough review of all evidence.”