The Official Website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS)

Public Safety

Contact:

State Police Office of Media Relations
Daytime (508) 820-2623
Nights & Weekends (508) 820-2121

September 03, 2009 - For immediate release:

State Police Arrest Driver for Role in Crash that Injured Trooper

A Massachusetts State Trooper suffered minor injuries after his cruiser was struck head on last evening at 8:20 p.m., on Route 9 in Williamsburg.  As a result of the subsequent investigation, State Police arrested the driver of a 1989 Chrysler New Yorker sedan that allegedly played a role in the crash for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and operating under the influence of alcohol subsequent offense.

Trooper Daniel Soto, who is assigned to the Hampden County State Police Detective Unit, was operating an unmarked 2006 Ford F-150 pick-up truck on Route 9 West when he observed a 1989 Chrysler New Yorker that was traveling on Route 9 East, swerve into the westbound travel lane.  The Chrysler struck a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am and then accelerated, striking Trooper Soto’s cruiser head on.

Trooper Soto was transported by ambulance to Cooley Dickenson Hospital with minor injuries.    The driver of the Pontiac, Richard Hillenbrand, 88, of Williamsburg and a passenger, Cholly Edwards, 63, of Dallas Texas, were not injured.  A second passenger in the Pontiac, Jacqueline Edwards, 64, of Dallas Texas, was transported by ambulance to Cooley Dickenson Hospital.

The driver of the Chrysler, Douglas M. Bardsley, 25, of Holyoke, was transported by ambulance to Cooley Dickenson Hospital where he was then placed under arrest.

State Police were assisted by the Williamsburg police and fire departments. No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly