LUDLOW — Police Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department will charge a 20-year-old man as a result of a crash into a utility pole on Sunday.
DOMINIK ANTHONY RODRIGO, AGE 20, OF CHICOPEE, will be summonsed to court to face charges of:
- Negligent Operation
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Use of an Electronic Device While Driving
- Speeding
- Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Wear a Seat Belt
On Sunday, Aug. 20, at approximately 1:52 a.m., the Ludlow Police Department received a 911 call reporting that a vehicle struck a utility pole in the area of 382 Holyoke St.
The first responding officer arrived, reported live wires down and requested assistance. A Ludlow Fire Department ambulance and engine were also dispatched. The officer also reported that the operator of motor vehicle was entrapped, and that the vehicle, a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, was smoking.
The officer then had to safely maneuver around power lines that were down on the roadway. He proceeded to break the front windshield to reach the unconscious vehicle operator, who was later identified as RODRIGO. RODRIGO regained consciousness and was eventually removed from the motor vehicle with the officer’s assistance.
During the accident investigation, officers determined that the vehicle involved may have been traveling at more than 100 mph on Holyoke Street, which is a posted 25 mph zone in that area due to a dangerous curve in the road.
RODRIGO was transported to Bay State Medical Center by Ludlow Fire Department paramedics. RODRIGO will be summonsed to Palmer District Court to face charges at a later date.
The utility pole was broken close to the base and landed across the roadway because of the crash. The road was closed for an extended period allowing for Eversource employees to restore power and clear the roadway.
“This accident demonstrates the dangers of driving at high speeds, the devastating effects that are caused by these collisions, and the extreme dangers that are created to other motorists and to the public,” said Chief Valadas.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.