Mass. Man Arrested After Smoking Dope, Crashing Car: Cops

A crash last night on Main Street led to two people being arrested in Salem, according to police.

Eric J. Cruz, 22, of Lawrence, MA, was arrested on Dec. 10, 2015, and charged with disobeying an officer, reckless conduct (deadly weapon), resisting arrested, conduct after an accident, possession of controlled drug, transporting drugs in a motor vehicle, driving after suspension, and a bench warrant. A juvenile female from Haverhill was also arrested for resisting arrest or detention.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Salem Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

At around 6:30 p.m. last night, an officer stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer for a defective headlight. When the officer approached, the vehicle reportedly accelerated and fled the area a high rate of speed. The officer gave chase and the Lancer crashed into a utility pole about a quarter of a mile away from the initial stop.

“All four passengers fled on foot,” alleged Lt. Joel P. Dolan of the Salem Police Department.

The Salem K-9 unit was called to the area and after a brief search, three of the four occupants were caught and taken into custody.

“Cruz indicated he fled because he did not have a license and he had been smoking marijuana at the time of the stop,” according to Dolan. “Cruz was transported to the Salem Police Department and processed without incident.”

He refused bail and was arraigned today in Salem District Court.

One woman was transported to Lawrence General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries that were sustained in the accident.