Rhode Island man charged in Massachusetts crash that damaged several cars, gas pump

Police in Massachusetts have arrested a Rhode Island man on several charges following Wednesday’s box truck crash at a gas station.

According to Police Chief Timothy Heinz, on Wednesday, April 19, at approximately 1:47 p.m., Norfolk Police were dispatched to Daley Service Center, 2 Rockwood Road, for reports of a crash. Upon arrival, first responders located a box truck dangling over a wall.

An initial investigation indicated that the box truck struck a traffic island before entering Daley’s Service Center, striking a gas pump, and then striking two motor vehicles and an aerial lift. The box truck crashed through a fence before coming to a stop with two front tires dangling over a wall. The Massachusetts State Police commercial enforcement team responded and assisted at the scene.

Based on observations and the investigation on scene, officers determined that there was probable cause to charge the driver of the truck, 54-year-old Keith Johnson of East Greenwich, RI, with operating under the influence of alcohol.

Johnson was transported to an area hospital and has since been treated and released. He was then booked at the Norfolk Police Department on charges of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, Marked Lanes Violation, and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Johnson was arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court and released on personal recognizance.