READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department arrested and charged a Wakefield woman with operating under the influence and assault and battery on a police officer among other charges after a traffic stop on Feb. 15.
SUZANNE TOWER, AGE 62, of WAKEFIELD, was arrested and charged with:
- Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (second offense)
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Speeding
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (two counts)
- Threat to Commit Crime
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Reading Police were dispatched to the area of Haverhill Street for reports of a white Kia Rio5 driving erratically on the road.
Officers arrived on scene and identified the vehicle driving southbound in the area of Haverhill Street and Batchelder Road. Officers observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed while crossing over the marked lanes in the center of the road.
Officers activated emergency lights and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver did not stop and continued to drive away from the police. After driving about one mile, the vehicle finally pulled over on Charles Street.
Police identified the operator of the vehicle as TOWER. While speaking with her, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her person.
A subsequent investigation, including field sobriety tests, determined that TOWER had been operating under the influence. Officers also found three nips, 50 ml single-serve bottles of liquor, on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle.
TOWER was arrested without incident.
During the booking process, TOWER was uncooperative and aggressive with officers. TOWER made several verbal threats toward officers, and made physical contact with an officer on two separate occasions.
TOWER was arraigned in Woburn District Court on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
