Norwood Man Charged with OUI, Breaking into Stoughton Courthouse

Information in this article is from Stoughton District Court. Arrests and charges don't imply conviction.

STOUGHTON, MA - A Norwood man fled the scene of a crash before attempting to break into Stoughton District Court, police said.

Joseph Shumate, 21, was arraigned in Stoughton District Court Monday. He faces several charges including drunken driving, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, attempting to commit a crime, marked lanes violation, and malicious destruction of property over $250. He was ordered held on $20,000 bail.

At about 1:14 a.m. Monday morning police in Stoughton responded to a reported car crash at the intersection of Pearl and Central Streets. A witness told police that they saw the vehicle crash into a traffic light and the operator fled the scene.

Police were unable to find the suspect but a call from the witness at 2:15 a.m. led police to nearby Stoughton District Court for an attempted break-in. Police were informed by dispatch that the suspect was allegedly kicking the door on the Pearl Street side of the building.

The suspect, later identified at Shumate, allegedly hid in some nearby bushes after seeing the officers. Shumate was ordered to come out of the bushes but refused. An officer eventually removed Shumate.

While talking with Shumate, police noted that he appeared extremely intoxicated, had a strong odor of alcohol, and was dressed the same way as the suspected driver in the crash. He also had a cut above his right eye and leg pain.

A check of the car's registration revealed that it belonged to someone at Shumate's home. Shumate said the car belonged to his grandmother.

When asked, Shumate said he was in a crash but denied driving. He was asked why he left the scene, telling police "I'm not saying nothing about that. I want a lawyer."

Shumate was then taken into custody. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on April 27.