Police Catch Alleged Drunk Driver Using Road Spikes

On Saturday, Feb. 19, at 11:58 p.m., Norton Police Ptlm. Jesse Winters attempted to stop a Toyota Camry on Mansfield Avenue, heading south, for a marked lanes violation. The vehicle was traveling at a low rate of speed, but crossing the center line several times. 

The operator of the vehicle, Karen Mercier, 48, of Norfolk, refused to stop for police. Out of fear that the operator would cause injury to herself or others, as the vehicle approached the intersection of Rt. 123, Ptlm. Christopher McCarthy deployed Stinger spike strips across the roadway in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle struck the spike strip, deflating two tires, and was able to be stopped by Ptlm. Winters and Sgt. Stephen Desfosses.

Mercier was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest.  She was charged with marked lanes violation, failing to stop for police, operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, second offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, drinking alcohol from an open container and resisting arrest

 Mercier was released and will appear in Attleboro District Court Tuesday, Feb. 22.