Providence man indicted, arraigned, on charges involving head-on Freetown crash

FREETOWN, MA – The Freetown Police Department reports that a 26-year-old has been indicted and subsequently arraigned in Fall River Superior Court following a comprehensive investigation into a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on April 20, 2024, on South Main Street in Assonet.

According to Lieutenant Benjamin Levesque, at just before 5:45 p.m. on the day of the crash, the Freetown Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a two-car collision near the Stop & Shop Distribution Center. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered two vehicles with heavy damage from a head-on impact. Anthony Flores of Providence, the operator of a 2015 Acura TLX sedan, was trapped inside his vehicle and required extrication using the ‘jaws of life.’ Both drivers were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford by Freetown Fire-Rescue.

The operator of the other vehicle, a 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner driven by a 68-year-old male, suffered life-threatening injuries, including multiple fractures and internal trauma. He continues to face a long road to recovery.

Police allege that Flores’ vehicle crossed over the center line at a high rate of speed and struck the Plymouth Roadrunner head-on. As a result of the investigation, Anthony Flores has been indicted by a grand jury and subsequently arraigned on the charges of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon

The indictment is the result of a thorough investigation conducted by officers of the Freetown Police Department. The initial response and investigation were handled by Patrolman Ryan W. Pereira, Patrolman Kory J. Kubik, and Sergeant Thomas E. Ashley, Jr. Additional investigative efforts were conducted by Detective Shane V. Kelley and Sergeant Nicholas J. Drinkwine, who serves as one of the department’s Accident Reconstruction Officers. This investigation was completed in collaboration with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

“I want to commend the outstanding work of our responding officers, including our detective and accident reconstruction unit,” stated Police Chief Scott M. Rose. “Their dedication, along with the support of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, was critical in bringing this case to its current stage. This investigation is a strong reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.”

Chief Rose added, “Every time we get behind the wheel, the decisions we make can have profound and sometimes devastating consequences. We urge everyone to drive responsibly to prevent tragedies like this from happening in our community.”

Flores is due back in Fall River Superior Court in November.