SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man was taken into custody on Sunday after a series of traffic-related offenses, including driving under the influence and fleeing from an accident scene, according to the Springfield Police Department.
Lester Anderson is charged with driving under the influence, criminal refusal, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a criminally suspended license, eluding a police officer, resisting arrest, negligent operation, and an in-state arrest warrant, following an incident that occurred on April 9.
At approximately 1:37 p.m., officers responded to a call on River Street where a motor vehicle collision had been reported.
Upon arrival, they learned that one of the involved drivers had fled after the crash.
The remaining driver reported smelling alcohol on the breath of the individual who had left the scene.
After locating the suspect’s vehicle and attempting a traffic stop on suspicion of DUI, a pursuit ensued when the driver did not comply.
The vehicle was eventually stopped, and the driver, identified as Anderson, resisted arrest but was ultimately detained.
Further investigation determined that Anderson was allegedly under the influence during the incident and had an active warrant for failing to appear in court on a previous DUI charge.
His driver’s license was also found to be criminally suspended.
Anderson was processed and issued a criminal citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division, Windsor Unit on April 10 at 12:30 p.m. He was lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility with bail set at $5,000 cash or surety.
