WEBSTER — Webster police arrested a 38-year-old man on charges of operating under the influence of drugs after he was found unconscious in a vehicle with an infant in the back seat, officials said.
On Friday, Feb. 28, at approximately 1:54 p.m., Webster Police Officers and Detectives, along with Webster EMS, responded to the Mobil Gas Station at the corner of Thompson Road and Lake Street for a report of two people passed out in a motor vehicle with a child in the back seat.
Upon arrival, officers observed a man and woman unconscious inside the vehicle and began banging on the windows, but the occupants would not wake up.
Webster EMS Chief Milliard had to break the driver’s side window to allow officers to gain access to the vehicle.
Officers and paramedics were able to wake the occupants and began evaluating them.
The driver was identified as Thomas Podles, 38, of Harris Street, Webster.
Detective Phillip Hurton, a Drug Recognition Expert, observed signs indicating Podles was under the influence of narcotics, according to police.
Podles and the woman were transported to UMASS Webster for medical evaluation.
Webster EMS removed the infant, who was not properly secured in the car seat, and determined the child was unharmed.
The Department of Children and Families was contacted and responded to the scene.
Podles will be arraigned at the Dudley District Court at a later date on charges of OUI Drugs and Child Endangerment While OUI.
