LUDLOW — On December 8, 2021, at approximately 11:11 pm, Ludlow Police Officers were alerted to an erratic operator of a red Mercedes Benz in the area of 574 Center St. in the Town of Ludlow. This information was relayed to Officers by a passing motorist. The passing motorist informed Officers that the suspect’s vehicle was “All over the road” and “He’s going to kill someone”, referring to the operator’s driving behavior.
Based on this information, Officers proceeded east on Chapin Street, where they observed a red Mercedes Benz drifting and unable to maintain its lane of travel, nearly striking the right curb and then swerving left over the center yellow lines completely into the westbound opposite lane of Chapin Street.
Officers proceeded to conduct a traffic stop of the motorist a short distance later on Chapin Street near Sportsmen’s Road, where the operator was identified as, Robert L. Matthews, age 52, of Wilbraham, MA.
Upon making contact with Matthews, Officers observed him to be moving suspiciously within the driver’s seat and center console area of his vehicle. It was further observed that Matthews was hurriedly attempting to scatter a white powdery substance from the top of the center console area of his vehicle.
Later, the Officers discovered a Smith & Wesson .380 handgun, loaded, unholstered and tucked in between Matthews waistband. While attempting to place handcuffs on Matthews, he resisted the Officers; by applying muscular resistance against the Officers efforts and pulling his left arm forward. The Officers were able to safely place Mathews into custody, while also securing the firearm without injury to anyone.
Matthews was arrested and transported to the Ludlow Police Department, where he was afforded all rights and booked without further incident. Matthews vehicle was impounded and towed.
Matthews was later released on $500 cash bail, plus magistrate fees. Matthews was scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 9, 2021 at Palmer District Court.
Based on Probable Cause, Robert L. Matthews was charged with the following crimes and traffic offenses:
- MGL. C. 90/24/F – Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence (OUI) – Drugs
- MGL. C. 94C/34/ C – Drug, Possess Class B (Cocaine)
- MGL. C. 269/10H -Firearm, Intoxicated Licensee Carry
- MGL. C. 268/32B – Resist Arrest
- MGL. C. 90/24/E – Negligent Operation of a Motor vehicle
- MGL. C. 90/9/B – Unregistered Motor Vehicle
- MGL. C. 89/4A – Marked Lanes Violation
- MGL. C. 90/13B/A – Electronic Device, Use While Operating Motor Vehicle
Prepared by: Lt. Michael Brennan, Sgt. Michael Gilrein