Taunton Police sergeant placed on administrative leave after crash that leaves serious injuries

TAUNTON — Chief Edward J. Walsh reports that a Taunton Police sergeant has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested early Sunday morning following a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a motorcycle rider.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Taunton Police responded to Harvey Street, near South Crane Avenue, for a report of motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and motorcycle.

Upon arrival, the motorcycle operator, a 52-year-old Rehoboth man, was suffering from serious injuries. The man was taken to a Brockton hospital and was later transported to Tufts Medical Center in Boston. The man’s injuries are serious but are not believed to be life-threatening.

Shawn Smith, 49, of Raynham, was placed under arrest following an on-scene investigation. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave. He has been a member of the department since November 2000.

Smith was charged with OUI Liquor Causing Serious Injury and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Smith was off-duty at the time of the crash and was allegedly operating a personal vehicle. He is expected to be arraigned on Monday in Taunton District Court.

The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section was called to the scene conduct accident reconstruction.

The investigation remains under active investigation with assistance by State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.