Knocking Down A Handicapped Pole Landed A Tewksbury Man In Handcuffs

LOWELL - A 48-year-old Tewksbury man who allegedly admitted to accidentally knocking down a cement handicapped pole then driving away found himself in handcuffs after police learned he had a warrant for his arrest.

In Lowell District Court on Wednesday, Russell S. Alley, 48, of 970 Main St., was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to leaving the scene of property damage for the April 19, 2016 pole incident.

When police finally tracked down Alley and his brown minivan, they discovered he had a warrant for his arrest from Lawrence District Court for no inspection sticker and unlicensed/suspended operation of a motor vehicle.

Police say they were called to the parking lot of the Bank of America at 986 Main Street for a pole marking a handicapped space had been knocked down. Surveillance footage showed a brown minivan hit the pole and get stuck.

Police contacted a local towing company, who reported that the driver had paid cash to have his van pulled off the pole. He drove off without leaving his name or other information.

A few hours later, an officer on routine patrol noticed a brown minivan matching the description outside 970 Main st. The van's front end had damage consistent with hitting a pole. Police spoke to Alley, the registered owner, who allegedly admitted to hitting the pole and left the scene because he didn't think he could afford to pay to replace the pole.

Alley's problems may have ended there, but a check of his license showed the outstanding warrant.

His next court date is March 28 for a pretrial conference.

Photo by Lisa Redmond Patch staff.