Salem Halloween Drunk Driving Crackdown After 2 Charged With OUI

SALEM, MA — Salem police are urging those traveling through the city in the next two days to exercise caution while driving and stay sober after a woman was struck on Essex Street and officers were nearly hit on Washington Street in two separate incidents Saturday that led to two Salem men being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police said at about 7 p.m. a woman was struck and dragged underneath a gray Toyota Rav 4 and she sustained serious injuries. She was freed from underneath the SUV by concerned citizens and first responders had to perform life-saving measures.

WHDH-TV reported the woman, a tourist from Tennessee who was part of a ghost tour at the time, was hospitalized with critical injuries on Monday.

An additional vehicle was also hit.

Police said Vasiliy Orlov, 43, of Salem, was charged with operating under the influence third offense, leaving the scene of a crash and other driving violations.

Police said about four hours later officers wearing high-visibility uniforms working the Haunted Happenings event were nearly struck by a speeding BMW on Washington Street. Police said the car was pulled over on Canal Street and that the driver, Vincent Roub, 47, was charged with operating under the influence third offense, driving with a suspended license and other driving offenses.

"The Salem Police Department urges individuals to drink responsibly, and never to drive a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs," police said in a statement. "This time of year, the city of Salem is filled with people enjoying the season.

"The Salem Police Department is committed to detecting and arresting those who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired."