PUTNAM — A Woodstock man was arrested after his vehicle mowed down a sign, fence and more Jan. 8 on Woodstock Avenue.
Putnam Police charged James Murphy Jr., 52, of 55 Tripp Road, with operating under the influence, evading responsibility, failure to drive right, insufficient insurance, and third-degree criminal mischief.
Putnam Police Department received multiple 911 calls for a car vs. fence motor vehicle accident on Woodstock Avenue in the area of the Dunkin’ Donuts.
Officers found the car, a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and its operator, Murphy nearby in the parking lot of Cumberland Farms. The vehicle had serious disabling damage including blown tires, front end damage, leaking engine fluids, and deployed airbags. Members of the Putnam Fire Department also responded to assist with containing leaking fluids.
Officers said Murphy was traveling on Woodstock Avenue when he swerved into the opposite lane, drove off the roadway onto the curb hitting a number of objects. Among the objects were several street signs, bushes, a street light, and a fence at 305 Woodstock Ave.
While officers investigated the accident, Murphy admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages and subsequently failed a series of standardized field sobriety tests.
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