Lowell Police Officer Arraigned After Allegedly Driving Drunk and Killing Man in Methuen

A 19-year veteran Lowell police officer was arraigned in court Monday for drunk driving charges after he allegedly drove drunk and killed a Lawrence man in Methuen on Saturday.

Eric Wayne, 41, was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol. His bail was set at $100,000 by a judge in Lawrence District Court.

If Wayne does make bail, judges set conditions that he must avoid consuming alcohol and undergo random drug testing. He would also be put on house arrest and wear a GPS monitoring bracelet, according to CBS Boston.

Around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Wayne was driving westbound on Riverside Drive when he crossed the double yellow line and struck struck a 1998 Mercury Mountaineer, Methuen police reported.

The driver, 26-year-old Briant Paula of Lawrence, was cut out of the car using the Jaws of Life, police said. Paula was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where he was pronounced dead after suffering massive trauma, police say. His sister, Lois Paula, 24, was riding in the passenger seat and was also injured.

At the arraignment, prosecutors said Wayne called for a ride after the crash and said, “I need to get (expletive) out of here,” according to CBS Boston.

Prosecutors said Wayne told police his name was Blaine. He did not have a license at the time of the crash due to being in a “non-renew” status since May for unpaid tolls, according to MassDOT.

In July 2013, Wayne was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol. He never stood trial and was never formally disciplined for his arrest, according to the Lowell Sun.

After his 2013 DWI, Wayne was placed on paid administrative leave and was reinstated in June, the Lowell Sun reported.

Photo credit: WHDH-TV Channel 7