Police Log: Passenger Flees on Foot After Police Stop Vehicle

On July 10, approximately 11:20 p.m., Officer Steven Kelly was on patrol in the area of Kendrick St. when he observed a black SUV swerve over the double yellow line and into the oncoming lane in a possible attempt to pass a red truck in front.

Instead of passing, the black SUV slowed behind the red truck and both vehicles made a left turn onto Greendale Ave. Officer Kelly continued to watch the vehicles, as the black SUV never used a turn signal. The black SUV then crossed the double yellow line, got into the oncoming lane and accelerated past the red truck.

At this time Officer Kelly turned on his emergency lights and siren and pursued the vehicle. The black SUV quickly accelerated and turned down Avon Cir. As Kelly turned onto the road, the passenger of the SUV exited and ran into an adjacent yard.

Kelly radioed that a person was on foot and then approached the SUV. The driver, 18-year-old Patrick Matthews was asked for the identity of the person who fled.

As Kelly spoke with Matthews, he could smell alcohol emanating from Matthews' breath and noticed that his shirt was wet, as if he had spilled a drink on it. When asked if he had been drinking that evening, Matthews replied, "No."

Matthews was asked to step out of the vehicle and Kelly observed an open Bud Light can laying in plain view on the floor of the passenger side. He also saw a glass pipe with marijuana residue and a digital scale.

Matthews was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, operating to endanger, transporting or possessing liquor under the age of 21 and a marked lanes violation. Matthews was also cited for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana.

While following up on the ownership of the vehicle, officers determined that an underage party had taken place at a residence on Hunting Rd. The resident of that home will be summoned, according to Needham Police, for furnishing alcohol to persons under 21.