Danvers Police Officer On Paid Leave After OUI Arrest

DANVERS, MA —The Danvers Police Department placed one of its officers on paid, administrative leave while it conducts and internal affairs investigation following a car crash on Dec. 2. Adam French, 46, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor after he was unable to stop his 2012 Audi SUV on a snow-covered roadway and crashed into a 2018 Ford F150 pickup that had pulled onto the road.

Charles Dunton, 55, the driver of the pickup, told police he believed French was drunk when they exchanged information following the crash, according to court records. French had called in sick for his shift just before the crash.

Police did not administer field sobriety tests at the scene because of the inclement weather, but responding officers smelled alcohol on French's breath and also believe he was intoxicated. French later refused to take a breath test to measure his blood alcoholc ontent. French told responding officers he had "one or two" drinks and was tired from working multiple shifts in the days before the crash.

The police report also says French told arresting officers he had a drinking problem and needed help as he was being booked. French, who complained of chest pains and was taken to Beverly Hospital on the night of the arrest, had his arraignment postponed until Dec. 18.