FREETOWN, Mass. (WJAR) — A Freetown man was charged with multiple offenses following a vehicle crash on Chace Road on April 23.
Authorities said 37-year-old Robert Barnes faces charges including Operating Under the Influence of Liquor, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Operating with a Suspended License due to a prior OUI conviction. Additional charges include Marked Lanes Violation, Use of an Electronic Device While Driving, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Wanton Destruction of Property under $1,200.
The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. near Bullock Road and Slab Bridge Road, involving a vehicle striking a telephone pole. First responders found Barnes outside the vehicle, with witnesses indicating he attempted to pay passing motorists for a ride from the scene.
Authorities noted Barnes exhibited signs of impairment and confirmed this incident as his fourth DUI offense. He was arrested and transported to St. Luke's Hospital for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Following medical treatment, Barnes was transferred to the Ash Street House of Correction and is scheduled for arraignment in Fall River District Court.