Fall River police lieutenant on leave after two recent arrests in Somerset

SOMERSET, Mass. (WLNE) – A Fall River police lieutenant is on leave after two recent arrests in Somerset, including an OUI that happened Wednesday.

According to Somerset police, Andrew Crook, 48, was arrested Wednesday after he said he was involved in a car crash just before 4 p.m.

Police said Crook called 911 saying he was involved in a crash, though he was not able to provide a location.

When responding officers found Crook on Wilbur Avenue inside his car, they said he had liquid on his shirt, smelled of alcohol, was slurring his speech and unsteady on his foot.

Police said Crook failed a field sobriety test and a search of his vehicle turned up alcoholic beverages, one of which was partially consumed.

The 48-year-old was placed under arrest and charged with OUI and possession of an open container.

Somerset police also arrested Crook Sunday in a separate incident. Details on that arrest were not immediately known.

In a statement, Fall River police acknowledged Crook was a lieutenant with the department and has been placed on paid leave and internal investigation is underway.

“The Fall River Police Department is distressed by this incident and understands the public concern due to the allegations levied against Lt. Crook,” said Chief Barden Castro.

“However, the public should know that a thorough and impartial investigation is being conducted into this matter,” he concluded regarding Sunday’s arrest.

Late Wednesday, Castro responded he was just informed of the OUI arrest and issued the following comments.

“Today’s new allegations will be made part of the internal investigation into Lt. Crooks off-duty behavior.  The POST commission will also be kept up to date of all allegations as the Fall River Police Dept. is made aware,” remarked Castro.

Crook is being held on $50,000 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned in Fall River District Court Thursday.