TEWKSBURY — A Lowell man faces multiple charges including cocaine trafficking after allegedly dragging a person with his vehicle before crashing into a student van Monday afternoon, police said.
Xavien Lopez, 18, of Lowell, was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), negligent operation of a motor vehicle and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Tewksbury Police responded to Pike Street at approximately 3:25 p.m. Monday for a reported crash with airbag deployment.
Officers discovered a collision between a Mazda sedan and a Promaster student van, which had no students inside at the time of the crash.
According to police, an investigation revealed that a bystander was attempting to purchase drugs from Lopez when the suspect demanded more money and grabbed the person by the arm.
Police said Lopez then accelerated while still holding the bystander’s arm, striking a passing van in the process.
The bystander suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Officers conducting a search of Lopez reportedly found approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine.
Lopez was held overnight at the Tewksbury Police station and arraigned Tuesday in Lowell District Court.
