OUI Driver Arrested After Dragging State Trooper in Braintree

A Lynn man was arrested last night after he refused orders to move his car while blocking traffic at a crash scene, then accelerated and struck a State Trooper, who was on foot, with his side view mirror, and then grabbed the trooper’s arm and accelerated, dragging the Trooper for approximately 15 yards.

The Trooper was finally able to break free and fell to the ground as the suspect vehicle sped away on Route 93 north in Braintree. The fleeing suspect also jeopardized the safety of tow truck drivers and medical personnel who had responded to the prior, unrelated crash.

The Trooper who had been dragged then returned to his feet, broadcast the description of the suspect’s car, a silver 2005 Honda Accord, and got into his cruiser to pursue. Two other Troopers who were working a nearby road detail responded to the path of the fleeing suspect and, along with the Trooper who had been dragged, boxed in the Accord north of the Braintree split.

The suspect, JOSE M. MOLINA, 30, of Lynn, was removed from his vehicle and placed into custody. He was uncooperative and showed indications of intoxication.

The incident began at approximately 11 p.m. while Troopers and other first responders were providing assistance at a multiple-vehicle crash on Route 93 north. Because vehicles involved in that crash were blocking part of the roadway, traffic was restricted to only the far right lane.

At that time, Troopers at the scene observed the silver Accord come to a complete stop next to the crash scene in the sole lane that remained open. They saw the put his left arm out his window with cell phone in his hand. It was apparent to the Troopers that the driver, who was blocking the only open lane, was trying to take photos or video of the crash scene.

A uniformed Trooper twice told the driver, later identified as MOLINA, to put his phone down and keep driving. After the second request, MOLINA replied with a profanity directed at the Trooper. He began to slowly roll forward. At that point, the Trooper then asked MOLINA several times to stop his vehicle but he continued to drive slowly.

At that point a second Trooper – the Trooper who would soon be hit and dragged – came over to the car to assist. That Trooper also ordered the driver to stop, but MOLINA then drove faster and his side view mirror struck the Trooper. When the Accord again began to slow, the Trooper reached into the car and attempted to shut the ignition. As he did so, MOLINA grabbed hold of the Trooper’s arm and accelerated, with the Trooper being dragged along outside the car. After about 15 yards the Trooper was able to break free from MOLINA’s grip and fell to the ground; the brief pursuit then ensued and the suspect was soon apprehended. Troopers at the scene and later at the barracks observed indicators of alcohol impairment on MOLINA.

During an inventory of the suspect’s Accord, Troopers found a Corona beer and a Dunkin Donuts cup containing what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage in the center console cupholders.

MOLINA, who was complaining of a minor abrasion on his head, was transported to South Shore Hospital, where he was treated and released to State Police custody. He was taken to the State Police-Milton Barracks and booked on the following charges:

Improper use of a mobile phone while driving;
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle;
Assault and battery on a police officer;
Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon;
Operating under the influence of liquor;
Resisting arrest;
Failure to stop for police;
Speeding;
Possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle;
Passing violation; and
Seatbelt violation.
The Trooper who was struck by the mirror and dragged also was transported to South Shore Hospital, where he was treated for a minor injury and released.

A bail clerk set bail for MOLINA at $20,000. He was expected to be arraigned today in Quincy District Court.