Medford Police Officer Arraigned on Drunk Driving Charges Following Car Crash in Wilmington

A Reading man and police officer in Medford was brought to court in Woburn Thursday for charges following his involvement in a car accident in Wilmington on Wednesday night.

Shawn Norton, 43, was allegedly driving drunk in Wilmington around 11 p.m. Wednesday night when he was involved in a hit and run. He then reportedly drove into Reading where someone who saw the crash followed him and called Reading Police.

Reading police officers found Norton, whose car had extensive front-end damage, on the intersection of John Carver Road and Hartshorn Street in Reading.

Norton allegedly ignored Reading Police when they attempted to pull him over and continued driving until finally stopping in the parking lot of Birch Meadow School on Arthur B. Lord Drive.

Reading Police officers said they had to ask Norton to get out of his car multiple times and when he stepped out, he was swaying, smelled of alcohol and had difficulty listening to their instructions.

Norton was taken to Woburn court Thursday on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to stop for police, speeding, and failure to operate a vehicle within marked lanes.

Woburn Judge Cesar Archilla set bail at $100 cash and ordered that Norton not drive without a valid license and that he stay away from the other driver involved in the crash.

Norton’s next court date is scheduled for April 21.

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