Crime & Safety

Overtired Truck Driver Arrested on Mass. Pike

Yesterday officers from Massachusetts State Police tracked an erratic vehicle, stopping it in Hopkinton.

Just prior to 4 p.m. yesterday, Lt. Steven Hennigan with the Massachusetts State Police observed a tractor-trailer drifting on the Mass Pike in Framingham.

According to police, the truck drifted from the center to the right lane nearly hitting the lieutenant’s unmarked cruiser.

"Lieutenant Hennigan pulled forward of the truck and began to closely observe the truck to ensure it was only a mistake by the operator. He observed the truck to drift several more times out of his lane, into other travel lanes and nearly strike several other vehicles," a report from the state police said.

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At this point in time the lieutenant activated his emergency lights in attempt to pull the truck over, but the operator did not respond.

Soon two other cruisers arrived to assist Hennigan, together they were able to stop the vehicle in Hopkinton.

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The troopers observed the operator was slurring his speech and moving slowly and unsteadily. Hennigan discovered that was not under the influence of alcohol but was showing similar symptoms caused by a lack of rest.

Michael Fleischhauer, 41, of North Bergen, N.J., was arrested and charged with failing to stop for police, marked lanes violation and reckless operation.

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