Newton Police: Driver Takes Off From Accident, Drives Up Sidewalk, Gets Arrested

On May 9, police put out a call for an accident near the intersection of Perkins Street and Washington Street. Dispatch said that a passerby called in the accident with the vehicle, but didn’t appear to be any injuries. Police traveled southbound on Highland Street and saw a brown SUV heading north on Highland Street toward them. The brown SUV was traveling down the right hand sidewalk with the horn sounding continuously. The car had heavy front end damage and was leading fluid from the engine. Police stopped the SUV and smelled a moderate amount of odor of alcoholic beverages coming from the driver. He had glassy, bloodshot eyes and slow and slurred speech. During the search, a glass pipe and residue was located in the center console. The residue appeared to be marijuana. A glass pipe and metal grinder were placed into evidence. Stepan Houtchens, 21, 78 Bourne St., Newton, was arrested and charged with OUI drugs, leaving the scene of property damage, marked lanes violation.

On May 9, police spotted a 2001 Honda Civic traveling south band on Grove Street Near Norumbrega, CT. Police noticed it because its rear driver’s side taillight was out. The driver was a male who was not wearing a belt. The driver had no license. Diego Vallejos, 22, 414 River St., Waltham, was charged with driving without a license, failure to wear a belt.

On May 9, police responded to a past larceny at the Kate Spade store at the Chestnut Hill Mall. Sometime between 4:30-5 p.m., two ladies’ hand bags were stolen from the front of the store.