On the evening of May 29, 2023, while in full uniform I was assigned to marked unit East-2, working the First Half Shift from 4PM-12AM. At approximately 10:06PM I was dispatched to 89 Porter St. for a report of a motor vehicle accident.

While enroute, dispatch notified units that the operator of the striking vehicle (MA. Reg. XXXX) had struck multiple parked cars as well as a fire hydrant, and was attempting to leave the scene.

Officer Buswell (West-5) responded and located the driver/registered owner identified as Otaniel SAINTILUS outside of the vehicle with the driver’s side door open.

I arrived on scene and observed a Blue 2007 Audi A4 bearing MA. Reg XXXX on the side walk. The vehicle had heavy front-end damage, and a fire hydrant knocked from its base was underneath the front bumper of the vehicle. It should be noted that only the driver-side airbag was deployed indicating no passengers were present during the crash.

I ran SAINTILUS’s license and found that it was suspended.

I spoke to SAINTILUS and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath; his eyes were glassy, and bloodshot, and his speech was slurred. Somerville Fire and Cataldo responded as well. I asked SAINTILUS if he was in need of any medical attention to which he stated “No I’m good.” I then asked SAINILUS if he was driving the vehicle, and he stated he was. SAINTILUS stated that while he was driving, a rabbit had run across the road and to avoid hitting it he swerved resulting in the crash.

I asked SAINTILUS if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages. SAILTILUS stated that he had a couple shots at a barbecue that he had attended a couple hours prior. Due to there being multiple collisions, in order to determine where the first one occurred, I asked SAINITLUS where he had swerved out of the way for the rabbit. SAINTILUS replied, “What rabbit” and I would note that while answering questions, SAINTILUS was unsteady on his feet, and was swaying back and forth. I again asked SAINTILUS if he was in need of medical attention to which he again declined. I asked SAINTILUS to perform SFST’s, which he declined.

I placed SAINTILUS under arrest for the following:

(90/24/J) OUI LIQOUR c.90 S24

(90/23/D) LICENSE SUSPENDED, OP MV WITH

SAINTILUS’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Stephen’s Towing, and the keys were left with the vehicle.

During the booking process, Sgt. Vannostrand advised SAINTILUS of his rights and asked him to submit to a chemical test of his breath to which he refused.

I issued citation #T1831345 and placed it with his property.

Respectfully,

Officer Jamey Thompson #363
Somerville Police Department