FREETOWN, MA — A 37-year-old man was arrested on his fourth operating under the influence charge following a single-vehicle crash Thursday evening.
Freetown police received multiple 911 calls at approximately 6:30 p.m. reporting a crash into a telephone pole on Chace Road in the area of Bullock Road and Slab Bridge Road.
First responders found Robert Barnes, of East Freetown, outside the crashed vehicle.
Witnesses, including an off-duty Freetown police officer, reported Barnes had allegedly been attempting to pay passing motorists for a ride away from the area and appeared to be intoxicated.
Officers observed signs consistent with impairment, including an odor of alcoholic beverage, according to police.
Barnes told officers he had been using his cell phone at the time of the crash.
Police believe Barnes had been traveling southbound on Slab Bridge Road before turning left onto Chace Road, where his vehicle struck a telephone pole.
The crash caused substantial damage to the vehicle, and the pole is expected to require replacement.
Barnes, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported by Freetown Fire-Rescue to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, fourth or subsequent offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; operating under the influence while license suspended for OUI; marked lanes violation; use of an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle; failure to wear a seatbelt; and wanton destruction of property under $1,200.
Following his release from the hospital, Barnes was transported to the Ash Street House of Correction.
He is expected to be arraigned Friday in Fall River District Court.
