For Second Straight Night, State Trooper Struck by Vehicle

For the second straight night, a Massachusetts State Trooper has been struck and injured by a motor vehicle while in the performance of his duty. An East Boston man, who was allegedly driving drunk, has been arrested by State Police in connection with the crash.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday, Captain Frank Hughes was directing traffic at the intersection of Monsignor O'Brien Highway and Land Boulevard in Cambridge following the concert and fireworks display on the Esplanade was hit by a 1996 Nissan Maxima whose driver failed to stop for the trooper. The impact of the crash threw the trooper onto the car's hood, causing serious injuries. The trooper was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was treated and released this morning.

The driver of the Nissan, FELIX MORALES, 30, of East Boston, was arrested at the scene and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and other offenses. MORALES is being held at the State Police Brighton Barracks. MORALES will be arraigned in Cambridge District Court.

Captain Hughes is a 24-year veteran of the State Police and currently is assigned to State Police Barracks in Holden. He was formerly assigned to the State Police Gang Unit.

The facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police, with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.

The incident was the second in as many nights in which a Massachusetts state trooper was struck by a motor vehicle in performance of his duties. Shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday, July 4, Trooper Sean McGarry was sideswiped by a passing motor vehicle while he was out of his cruiser on a motor vehicle stop on Route 128 South in Peabody. Trooper McGarry, 32, a five-year State Police veteran, was transported to Lynn Union Hospital, where he was treated and released. State Police are searching for a gray or silver sedan with a missing passenger side mirror. The mirror was broken off when the car hit the trooper and is in MSP's possession, where it will be subjected to forensic analysis in attempt to learn more about the suspect vehicle. The driver of the car initially stopped by State Police, FRANK J. IMBRUGLIA, 25, of East Boston, was arrested on motor vehicle charges, as well as for giving a false name to police and for three outstanding warrants, and is being held at the State Police Danvers Barracks. It was while examining IMBRUGLIA's Infiniti G35 that Trooper McGarry was hit. Anyone with information is asked to call the barracks at (978) 538-6161.

No further information is available at this time.