Dartmouth Police charged two in separate collisions involving downed utility poles

DARTMOUTH, MA – On Sunday, Dartmouth police responded to two separate instances of intoxicated drivers crashing their vehicles into utility poles.

An 18-year-old Becket man was arrested early Sunday morning following reports of a motor vehicle crash involving a Toyota Rav 4 and a utility pole in the area of 178 Old Westport Road. Once on scene, officers located the operator of the vehicle who appeared to be injured. Following a brief investigation, Nathan Miller, 18, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries resulting from the crash. He is being charged with OUI Liquor and marked lanes violation.

Less than one hour later, Dartmouth Police officers and other emergency personnel, were dispatched to the area of Bakerville Road & Beechwood Drive regarding reports of a Ford Fusion striking and snapping a utility pole. Responding officers located Jake Morgado, 24, of Dartmouth sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Morgado admitted to officers that he was intoxicated and was later taken into custody. Morgado is being charged with OUI Liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.

Eversource electric responded to both locations to repair the downed utility poles.

Both men pled not guilty at Monday’s arraignment and were released on personal recognizance.

“The Dartmouth Police Department would like to remind everyone that driving while intoxicated is against the law and an offense we take very seriously”, said Chief of Police Brian P. Levesque. “While thankfully, no one was seriously injured in either of these incidents, let this be a powerful reminder that not only is this activity illegal, but it can cause a life to shatter in an instant.”

Even “just a little buzz” can slow your senses and put lives at risk. Please know the dangers of
driving while impaired. If you are intoxicated and need to get home, call a friend, family
member, or a ride share system (UBER, LYFT, etc) to get yourself, and others, home safely.