Wrong-Way Driver Arrested in Wellesley, Charged With OUI: Police

WELLESLEY, MA – A 24-year-old Norwell man was arrested in Wellesley Wednesday night after state police received multiple reports of a wrong-way driver.

Ahmed Ziad was charged with operating under the influence of drugs, operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, wrong-way violation on a state highway and a number of other traffic-related charges.

State police began receiving calls about a wrong-way driver going northbound on the southbound side of I-95 in the Walpole and Norwood area at 11:29 p.m. Thursday night. Patrols responded to the area and local departments in towns along that part of I-95 were notified, according to state police.

Shortly after, a car attempting to avoid the wrong-way driver, who was operating what was described as a silver sedan, crashed into a guardrail. Police said no injuries were immediately reported.

Police then received a report of a vehicle matching the suspect's description on I-93, traveling north in the southbound lane. Eventually the driver corrected his course and began heading south on the southbound side of I-93 toward I-95/Rt. 128 north.

A little after midnight, police pulled over a silver 2009 Toyota Corolla at Exit 20B in Wellesley and arrested Ziad. He has also been charged with a marked lanes violation, making a U-turn where prohibited, leaving the scene of a crash that caused property damage and a motor vehicle equipment violation, in addition to the more serious charges.

Ziad will be arraigned in Dedham District Court Friday.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from information supplied by Massachusetts State Police. It does not indicate a conviction.

Image via Massachusetts State Police