MILFORD, MA — A man has been charged after allegedly crashing into a fence along a walking trail and fleeing the scene on New Year’s Day.
The Milford Parks Department reported heavy damage to the fence along the Fino Field section of the Upper Charles Walking Trail at approximately 8 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.
A review of property CCTV footage showed a dark-colored Dodge Ram pickup truck operating erratically and drifting across the Fino Field parking lot before colliding with the wooden fence.
The operator of the vehicle fled the scene without notifying police following the collision.
On Jan. 5, 2026, Milford Police detectives used law enforcement investigative technology to identify the suspect vehicle as a 2015 black Dodge Ram owned by Luis Oliveira, 57, of Milford.
At approximately 5 p.m., Milford Police detectives spoke to Patrik Veiga Oliveira, 20, of Milford, who admitted to being the operator of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Patrik Veiga Oliveira has been charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage and wanton destruction of property.
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino said the investigation took hours to bring to a conclusion.
“This type of careless and reckless operation of a vehicle showed a complete disregard for the safety and property of others,” Tusino said.
A video of the incident has been posted on Milford Police Department social media accounts.
