WEYMOUTH, MASS. (WHDH) - An East Bridgewater firefighter was arrested on a drunken-driving charge after state police say he plowed into the back of a vehicle being driven by the wife of a local radio host in Weymouth on Tuesday before fleeing the scene.
Preston Klem, who has since been placed on administrative leave, is facing charges including drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident, officials said.
Emergency crews responding to a report of a crash on Route 3 in Weymouth found a Honda Pilot that had cascaded down an embankment into the woods along the highway.
Erin Bertrand, the wife of 98.5 The Sports Hub host Marc Bertrand, was behind the wheel of the SUV.
“To continue to keep driving, it’s just unconscionable that someone would do that,” Marc said. “It’s especially shocking when you find out that it’s a first responder.”
Several good Samaritans, including a nurse, jumped into action to reach Erin. She was then taken to a local hospital for treatment. She has since been released.
“Luckily, she did have some other people there,” Marc said. “An individual went through the brush and the trees, and was able to pry the door open and help her get out of the vehicle.”
Investigators later tracked Klem’s pickup truck to his home in Rockland, where he was taken into custody.
“I would expect more from any public servant,” East Bridgewater Police Chief Timothy Harhen said.
Klem will remain out of work pending the outcome of an investigation.
He could face a judge as early as Thursday.
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