Man Charged With Drugged Driving After Hitting Police Cruiser

LITTLETON (CBS) – An Ayer man was arrested on drugged driving charges late Thursday night after he crashed into a Littleton police cruiser.

Around 10 p.m. a Littleton police officer found an erratic driver, later identified as Timothy Walsh, on Ayer Road. Walsh's car was on the shoulder of New Estate Road facing the wrong direction.

Littleton Police said that as Walsh re-entered the roadway, he crashed into the cruiser head on. The officer tried to avoid Walsh's oncoming car, and in doing so lessened the impact.

Police said Walsh was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.

He was arrested and charged with third offense operating under the influence of drugs, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violations.

Walsh and the officer were each taken to an area hospital where they were treated and released.

After being held overnight at the Littleton police station, Walsh was scheduled to be arraigned Friday.

"While thankfully neither the officer or operator were injured in this crash, this incident shows that officers never know what will happen while they are on patrol," Littleton Police Chief Matthew King said. "This officer's immediate actions and concern for the other operator demonstrates the high quality of policing within our department."