New Bedford Police will now pursue charges for people who overdose behind the wheel

July 21, 2016 5:36 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

New Bedford- Starting this week, New Bedford police will now pursue criminal charges to drivers who overdose behind the wheel. It’s something Mayor Jon Mitchell supports.

"When someone gets behind the wheel of an automobile under the influence of anything, we have to look at charging that person. The risks that are posed by drunk drivers are the same that they are for people who are overdosing,” says Mayor Mitchell.

Police say since February, there have been approximately 8 overdoses behind the wheels of cars in New Bedford. Including two overdoses within 3 months by the same man.

"We are going to take a look at going forward and do it by a case to case basis. There may be cases were its not appropriate to bring a charge, others where it is appropriate. They’ll have to figure that out in consultation with the DA’s office,” adds Mayor Mitchell.

Local criminal defense attorney Michele Rioux, says she thinks it’s about time they did this. Noting, the OUI drug law has been on the books for more than 20 years.
However, she says it has been notoriously difficult to prove the cases.

"So it will still be treated as a medical emergency, but then after they are medically cleared the offense will be brought in some manor,” says Rioux.