Man Arrested for 4th OUI After he Crashes Into Parked Car, Guardrail, Causing Injuries

WORCESTER, MA—A Worcester man is facing his fourth OUI charge after an accident that involved smashing into a parked car, and then into a guard rail on Sunday, July 17.

At approximately 1:25 a.m., Worcester police responded to the area of 540 Grove St. for a serious two-car accident that also involved a pedestrian. Officers found a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2007 GMC Yukon with heavy damage, as well as two females with serious injuries. Worcester EMS arrived and treated the injured parties and then transported them to a local hospital.

Due to the serious nature of this accident, the WPD Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and took charge of the investigation.

The Chevrolet Blazer was operated by James Benoit, 47, West Hill Drive, Worcester. Benoit was traveling north on Grove Street and as he approached the area of 540 Grove St., a 62-year-old female was unloading items from her GMC Yukon when Benoit crashed into the rear of the vehicle. Debris from the collision struck the pedestrian in the face, causing serious injury. After hitting the vehicle, Benoit continued to drive north until he hit a guardrail, said police.

A 28-year-old female passenger in the Benoit vehicle received a serious head and eye injury. Benoit was slightly injured. All three went to a local hospital for treatment.

Investigators processed evidence at the scene while other officers went to the hospital to speak with Benoit, who was placed under arrest and charged with Operating a MV with a Suspended License, Operating a MV Negligently so as to Endanger, Operating a MV Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Serious bodily Injury, Operating a MV Under the Influence of Alcohol (4th Offense), Operating an Uninsured MV (2nd offense), Operating an Unregistered MV and Operator Failing to Wear a Seatbelt.

Benoit was treated and then released to police custody. He was arraigned Monday at the Worcester County District Courthouse.