Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested After Late-Night Accident

An accident early Sunday morning sent one man to the hospital and another to the police station where he was booked on drunk driving charges.

Police have accused Stephen Carrasquillo, of 5107 Archstone Ave., Tewksbury, of slamming his vehicle into another at the intersection of Harrison and Albany streets, injuring a passenger and causing serious damage to both vehicles.

Officers allege that Carrasquillo was drunk at the time of the accident, around 3:23 a.m. Sunday morning, due to his slurred speech and unsteady gait, a report states. Carrasquillo refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test.

A passenger in a vehicle heading eastbound on Herald Street was found writhing on the sidewalk near the intersection holding his head in pain when police arrived. Standing over him were his friends and Carrasquillo, who parked his vehicle around the corner before walking back to the scene, police said.

The victim was transported to Tufts New England Medical Center.

In an interview with police, Carrasquillo allegedly admitted to having “a few drinks,” and said he “slowed down but didn’t stop completely,” at the blinking red light at the intersection.  

During a search, police located less than an ounce of a leafy green substance on Carrasquillo, which was believed to be marijuana. Carrasquillo was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and failure to stop for a red light.