Reading Police Arrest and Charge Man with Operating Under the Influence Following Motor Vehicle Stop
READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department arrested and charged a man with Operating Under the Influence following a traffic stop last Thursday.
ALEXANDER GALBRAITH, AGE 26, of READING, was arrested and charged with:
- Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Speeding Greater than Reasonable
On Thursday, Nov. 21, at about 8:09 p.m., a Reading police officer on patrol in the area of Main and Forest streets observed a gray Honda CRV swerving over the marked lanes multiple times. As the CRV continued driving along the roadway, the officer observed the vehicle speed through an intersection.
Police activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle near the intersection of Main and Ash streets.
Officers identified the driver of the vehicle as GALBRAITH. While speaking with GALBRAITH, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle.
During a subsequent investigation, including field sobriety tests, it was determined that GALBRAITH had been operating under the influence and had a blood alcohol level of .13, nearly twice the legal limit.
GALBRAITH was arrested without incident.
GALBRAITH was held pending arraignment in Woburn District Court.
“With the holidays approaching, we are ever-mindful of the importance of responsible driving,” Chief Clark said. “If you are going to drink, please make sure you have a ride arranged. Reading Police has no tolerance for those who put their lives and the lives of others in danger, and while we do our part to keep the roads safe, we need the community to make smart choices before our involvement becomes necessary.”
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
