READING – Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department arrested and charged a Saugus man with operating under the influence.

JEFFREY SMITH, AGE 38, of SAUGUS, is charged with: 

• Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Failure to Stop for Police

On Monday, July 22, at about 5:16 p.m., Reading Police were dispatched to Reading Town Square following reports that a blue Kia SUV appeared to be driving erratically.

Police initiated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle in the area of Salem Street and Pearl Street. The vehicle was observed repeatedly crossing marked lanes.

The vehicle did not stop until striking the curb near the intersection of Salem Street and Baystate Road. Officers then approached the driver, later identified as SMITH, and administered a field sobriety test to which SMITH failed.

SMITH was arrested without incident.

SMITH is scheduled to be arraigned in Woburn District Court on Tuesday, July 23.

“We could not have apprehended the dangerous operator as quickly as we did without the involvement of the public,” Reading Police Chief David Clark said. “I thank our quick-thinking citizens for reporting this incident, and I once again remind everyone: if you see something, say something.”

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.