Bristol County sheriff’s van hit by alleged drunk driver

June 30, 2016 5:27 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

It was a scary morning for a Bristol County Sheriff’s Deputy after her van was hit by a suspected drunk driver.

The driver was 29-year-old Maria Nunes-Daveiga of Brockton. She appeared in Taunton District court Thursday and faces charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, OUI, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The dangerous weapon in this case is her vehicle.

Around 3:10 a.m. Thursday, she struck a Bristol County Sheriff’s officer’s van that was working on a construction detail on Route 24 in Raynham. The officer in the van was Deputy Patricia Allen, a seven-year veteran of the department. Police say she was sitting in the van with her emergency lights on at the beginning of the construction zone.

"She saw in the rear view mirror there was a car coming in that lane at a pretty good rate of speed and it wasn’t slowing down, it wasn’t moving over,” said Jonathan Darling, spokesman for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department.

Nunes-Daveiga crashed into the back of the van. Deputy Allen walked away without any major injuries. When Massachusetts State Police arrived, they say Nunes-Daveiga’s car smelled of alcohol.

"She smelled of an alcoholic beverage once outside the vehicle as well. She was observed to be unsteady on her feet,” said the prosecutor in court Thursday.

The prosecutor says police tried to administer a breathalyzer test three times, but the results were inconclusive, reporting that there was alcohol inside her mouth. Officers then conducted a balance test and determined Nunes-Daveiga was drunk. The prosecutor highlighted her lengthy driving record.

"The defendant has 55 items on her driving history with three prior accidents in Rhode Island and in Brockton, four prior speeding charges, in one instance she picked up two speeding tickets in four days," the prosecutor said.

This is her first OUI charge, but her attorney is not convinced. He’s arguing that another car cut her off, prompting the crash.

"From a seated position to be involved in an accident, air bags deploying in your face, the force of the impact which was significant when you look at the pictures and now you’re supposed to stand on one leg, put your heel to your toe? It’s unfair,” said Kenneth Fredette.

Nunes-Daveiga was released on personal recognizance. Her license has been suspended and she was ordered to remain alcohol free. She’s set to appear in court again on September 7^th.