UXBRIDGE — A routine patrol turned into a confrontation early Sunday morning as Officer Alex Johnson spotted a speeding pickup truck and subsequently arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and other charges.
Johnson was monitoring traffic on Main Street around 1 a.m. when he noticed the gray pickup truck speeding.
The vehicle, driven by Eric Hamelin, 41, of North Main Street, Uxbridge, turned onto East Main Street from South Main Street, hitting speeds of 50 mph.
Johnson used his emergency lights to signal the truck to stop, which it eventually did on East Main Street.
Upon speaking with Hamelin, the officer suspected he was under the influence as he observed a partially empty six-pack of beer.
Officers Sean Ebbeling and Joseph Fitzpatrick arrived to assist.
Johnson requested Hamelin to exit the truck to perform Field Sobriety Tests, but Hamelin refused to comply after several requests.
As Hamelin attempted to start the truck and drive away, a struggle ensued.
Johnson grabbed Hamelin’s arm to prevent him from fleeing, and during the altercation, a Taser was used, and Olereum Capsicum (OC) was deployed to subdue Hamelin.
After the confrontation, Hamelin was successfully handcuffed and taken into custody.
He was transported to the Emergency Room at UMASS Webster for precautionary measures and was later released while still in police custody.
Hamelin has been charged with operating under the influence of an intoxicating liquor for the second offense, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, speeding, and failing to signal.
His bail was set at $340, and he was arraigned at Dudley District Court on Jan. 30.
