There is more fallout (and details) from a drunk driver slamming into a Southborough police cruiser last August.
Southborough Wicked Local reports that the restaurant, Samba, in Framingham was just issued a 3-5 day liquor license suspension for over serving the driver and passenger.
According to the article, before William Shields crashed into a Officer James Gallagher, he was served at least two beers and three tequila shots in just over an hour. One bartender, since fired, was also alleged as having done tequila shots that evening.
Police were looking for Shields that night after Samba management called in that he refused a free cab ride. SWL reports:
[Owner Joseph Zhang] said he and the manager of Samba West, 1583 Worcester Road, both tried to stop the drunken customer from driving off around midnight in a black Porsche. Zhang said the large man used brute strength to get past him.
“He slammed me on the ground,” Zhang told the board.
Southborough Police arrested the driver, William Shields, 42, of Southborough, after he took off and ended up rear-ending a police cruiser on Rte. 9 West in Southborough, police said at the time. The crash caused major damage to the cruiser. Shields became combative and physically assaulted three firefighters/paramedics, police said. His male passenger was placed into protective custody because of his level of intoxication.
Framingham selectmen gave management credit for attempting to stop the customer and for contacting police. They issued a 5 day liquor license suspension. Three (yet-to-be-identified) days will be served. Two days will be held in abeyance for one year.
Click here for the full SWL story.
In December, Shields admitted to sufficient facts in court about driving under the influence, reckless driving, and assault & battery. Charges were Continued Without a Finding for 1 year. Other discipline included a 90 day license suspension, required completion of a First Offender Program and a highway safety course, possible restitution, and 20 hours of Community Service at a medical facility.
Days after the incident, Chief Kenneth Paulhus informed me that Gallagher was resting at home. In early December, he updated that the crash kept Gallagher at home for a month of rest.
