Man Passed Out In SUV With Loaded Needle Near Child: Cops

MANCHESTER, NH — A local man was arrested on numerous charges yesterday after police allegedly caught him in the Queen City passed out behind the wheel of an SUV, according to Manchester Police. Benjamin Philbrick, 34, of Milford, was arrested on June 1, 2017, for aggravated driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child. He was also placed on a 72-hour hold for a probation and parole violation, according to the report.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

Philbrick, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department, was reportedly found “passed out” behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Explorer on Queen City Avenue around 4:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon. An officer who arrived at the scene first spoke with two witnesses who called police after allegedly seeing him drive and then, passing out.

“The operator passed out as he was attempting to take a right turn onto Second Street,” O’Keefe stated. “The two witnesses were concerned because a young child was seated in the backseat of the sports utility vehicle.”

A second officer checked on the young child while the first officer conducted a field sobriety test after the driver – Philbrick – allegedly smelled like alcohol, according to the report. The officer “determined” that Philbrick “was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol,” according to the report, and he was arrested.

“The (second) officer observed two needles inside of the vehicle,” O’Keefe alleged. “A full, uncapped needle containing a brownish liquid believed to be heroin was placed within arm’s reach of the unrestrained 4-year-old. The other needle was located on the floor board directly below the child’s feet.”

The liquid was sent to the state lab for further testing, according to police.

Philbrick was scheduled to be arraigned later today.

Philbrick, according to a previous post on Patch, was arrested and indicted on drug sale and possession charges in Milford in 2015.