Off duty police officer in Plymouth County facing charges after allegedly crossing double yellow line before head-on crash

A Massachusetts police officer is facing charges from the department that he serves for.

According to police, on Sunday, at just after 9:00 p.m., the Marshfield Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a serious motor vehicle crash on Plain Street (Route 139). Callers indicated that one vehicle was overturned and that multiple injuries had occurred. Marshfield Police Officers and the Marshfield Fire Department arrived on scene within minutes. Upon arrival, first responders observed a multi-vehicle crash involving a Jeep and two other vehicles, with one vehicle resting on its roof.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the Jeep was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed and passed a tow truck by crossing over solid double yellow lines into the eastbound lane. The Jeep then attempted to pass a second vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, again crossing the solid double yellow lines, and struck an eastbound Honda Civic head-on. The Hyundai Elantra was also struck during the collision.

The operator of the Jeep was able to exit the vehicle on his own. The operator of the Honda Civic was trapped inside the vehicle and was extricated by the Marshfield Fire Department using hydraulic rescue tools. Both operators involved in the head-on collision were transported by ambulance to area hospitals with serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The operator of the Hyundai Elantra was not injured.

The operator of the Jeep has been identified as an off-duty Marshfield Police Officer. The officer was placed on administrative leave, effective immediately following the crash. Administrative leave is a standard procedural measure pending the outcome of an investigation. The Massachusetts POST Commission was immediately notified of the incident. Aside from the criminal investigation, an independent third-party organization will be conducting an internal investigation.

“This department is committed to full transparency and accountability,” said Chief Phillip A. Tavares. “A full and complete investigation is being conducted into this incident. The fact that the operator was a police officer will not alter the scope, direction, or integrity of this investigation in any way.”

Chief Tavares emphasized that no individual is above the law and that the findings of the investigation will be presented for appropriate criminal review. Marshfield Police are seeking criminal charges for Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Marked Lanes Violation, and Speed Greater than Reasonable and Proper.

As a result of information gathered during the continued investigation and information just received from the State Police crime lab, police will be seeking one more additional felony charge against off duty Officer Richard Perry in addition to operating under the influence of alcohol while causing serious bodily injury.

Officer Perry graduated the MPTC Academy in 2022.

“No matter who you are or what position you hold, conduct that endangers the public will be addressed through the appropriate legal process,” Chief Tavares stated.

Chief Tavares also expressed concern for those affected by the crash and has been in contact with those involved in the incident.“

To the victims and their families, I want to express my sincere concern and sympathy for what you have endured as a result of this incident,” he said. “Violations of the law or department policy is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by this Department.”

This incident remains under investigation by the Marshfield Police Department in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, the State Police Cars Unit, the State Police Crime Lab, and the Plymouth County Bureau of Criminal Investigation.