Three Vehicles Damaged by Drugged Driver in Saturday Morning Accident, Police Report

Three vehicles parked near a Columbus Avenue intersection were damaged Saturday morning after a Boston man veered out of his lane setting off a chain reaction, police reported.

Officers believe Ryan Chaisson was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, which took place around 10:43 a.m. near Harriet Tubman Square. According to a report, Chaisson was “unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech, pinpoint pupils, was drooling from the mouth and his nose was running."

Chaisson allegedly told police he’d been in detox for drugs the previous day. While driving on Columbus Avenue, he claimed he swerved to avoid a pedestrian in the crosswalk, the report stated.

Chaisson’s vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage after plowing into a parked car. The force of the collision set off a chain reaction, causing serious damage to two other cars parked along the road, police said.

A witness on the scene said it appeared Chaisson “nodded off” while stopped at a red light and then swerved out of his lane, the report stated.

A hypodermic needle was recovered from the scene of the accident and fresh needle marks were observed on Chaisson’s arm during booking, police reported. Chaisson, whose address is listed as 350 Beacon Street, #11, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs.