Somerville Man Charged In Drugged Driving Crash That Injured Pregnant Woman

WEYMOUTH, MA — A Somerville man who allegedly caused a three-car crash in Weymouth while under the influence of drugs was a no-show in court Friday, according to court records.

Derek Correia, 30, was arrested Wednesday night and charged with possession of Class A and E drugs, operating under the influence of drugs, operating with a suspended license, marked lanes violation, operating to endanger, and obstruction of justice. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Quincy District Court Friday, but he did not appear in court and an arrest warrant has been issue.

At about 6 p.m., police responded to a three-car crash on Pond Street. At the scene, police observed a van that crashed into a pole, a black SUV behind the van, and a white SUV in a driveway. The driver of the van, a pregnant woman, and the driver of the black SUV were taken to the hospital, according to a police report.

The driver of the white SUV, identified as Correia, allegedly acted erratically and evasive towards police questions. Police say he had pinpoint pupils and a blank stare that were consistent with opioid use. Initially, Correia said his first name was Joseph but said he was Derek after his social security number did not match that of Joseph's.

Inside his vehicle, police allegedly found two prescription bottles and a needle that was filled with a substance believed to be heroin, according to the police report.

A police investigation determined that Correia crossed the double yellow line, forcing the van to swerve into the pole and the black SUV to crash into the back of the van.

The arrest is a probation violation for two cases out of Milton. In 2015, Correia was charged with breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony and in 2013 he was arrested and charged with breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony, larceny from a building, and vandalizing property.

Image: File Photo