Alleged Impaired Driver Hits Somerville Police Cruiser During Road Race

A driver allegedly under the influence of drugs struck a Somerville Police cruiser at about 11:50 a.m. Sunday in Ball Square during the Somerville Jingle Bell Run 5K.

The cruiser was parked on Bristol Road at Broadway to block traffic for the runners on Broadway, according to police.

The officer spotted the driver asleep behind the wheel of his Jeep on Bristol Road, and when he and EMTs tapped on his window to wake him up, the driver immediately accelerated into the cruiser, police said.

The driver appeared to be intoxicated, the officer reported. He was not able to stand up and had “very slurred” speech, the officer said.

The driver said he hadn’t had anything to drink. He refused to participate in field sobriety tests, according to police.

The driver, Stephen Murphy, 47, of 108 Josephine Ave., Somerville, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

The 5K started in Davis Square at 11 a.m.