HAVERHILL, MASS. (WHDH) - A Haverhill police officer who allegedly crashed into a parked car while driving under the influence of liquor on Easter faced a judge Tuesday.
Carlos Arriaga pleaded not guilty in Haverhill District Court to a charge of operating under the influence of liquor.
Emergency crews responding to a report of a crash in the area of 216 Essex Street around 7:50 p.m. Sunday learned Arriaga, who was off-duty at the time, had struck a parked and occupied 2022 Honda CRV, according to the Haverhill Police Department.
Authorities say Arriaga was driving a 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 when he struck the Honda, causing damage to both vehicles. Officer Arriaga first told police he was trying to pass the SUV which, as seen in the video, was actually parked on the side of the street.
The 25-year-old Bradford woman who was inside her SUV when prosecutors say Arriaga hit her said she is OK despite the close call.
Haverhill police have declined comment and referred 7NEWS to a post on their Twitter page.
Mayor James Fiorentini who’s out of town released a written statement that reads in part: “People charged with enforcing the law should be role models and obey the laws they are charged with enforcing.”
Arriaga was released under the conditions he remain drug and alcohol-free.
The Haverhill Police Department has since placed him on administrative leave.
An investigation remains ongoing.
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