Drunken Cape Man Passes Out At Wheel, Drags Officer: Police

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Marstons Mills man was arrested Sunday after police said he drunkenly passed out at the wheel, dragged a police officer with his car and crashed into a truck.

James Ledoux, 23, was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a police officer.

Around 2:40 a.m., police received a call about a suspicious car parked in someone's driveway on Phinneys Lane in Hyannis. When police arrive, they said they found Ledoux unconscious in the car. Police said his car was locked, running and its transmission was in reverse. Ledoux's foot was on the brake, police said.

"Numerous attempts were made to wake Ledoux, however, he would not respond," police said in a statement. "Fearing Ledoux was suffering a medical emergency, Officer [Kevin] Shaw broke the passenger window, reached in and unlocked the car doors."

Officer Kristina Gustafson then tried to place the car in park, but police said Ledoux took his foot off the break, and the vehicle started rolling towards the house. Gustafson was dragged by the car, and her foot was run over.

While the car rolled down the driveway, police said Shaw was able to steer it away from the house. Police said the car crashed into a truck parked at the end of the driveway.

Gustafson was taken to Cape Cod Hospital and was treated for minor injuries to her foot and ankle.

Hyannis Rescue was called to the scene and Officer Gustafson was transported to Cape Cod Hospital, where she was treated and released with minor injuries to her foot and ankle.

Police said they later determined Ledoux did not suffer any medical emergency and was intoxicated. He was later released on personal recognizance.

Ledoux was scheduled to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court Monday.