Man Drunkenly Crashes Into Rockland Police Chief's Cruiser: PD

ROCKLAND, MA — Police arrested a Rockland man after they said he drunkenly crashed into the police chief's cruiser and drove away Saturday night.

Rockland Police Chief John Llewellyn was driving through the intersection of Spring and Summer streets around 9:30 p.m. in an unmarked Ford Explorer cruiser when he was struck in the rear passenger side by a Ford F-150. Police said the driver, Richard Cirignano, 65, blew a red light at the intersection.

Llewellyn said he tried avoiding the crash, but couldn't. His cruiser went off road and onto the lawn of a nearby church.

Neither Llewellyn nor his passenger were hurt.

Cirignano sped away down Summer Street, police said. After making sure his passenger was alright, Llewellyn pursued him. Llewellyn pulled over Cirignano about a half-mile from the scene of the crash, in front of the Rockland ice rink.

After the arrival of more officers, police said they conducted sobriety checks and determined that Cirignano was driving under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody.

Charges for Cirignano include:

• OUI Liquor (Second Offense)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle to Endanger
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash
• Failure to Stop for a Police Officer
• Failure to Stop at a Red Light
• Speeding
• Failure to Wear a Seat Belt

Cirignano is expected to be arraigned in Hingham District Court Monday.

Photo via Rockland Police Department