Man Busted for DWI in Stolen Car After Nearly Causing Crash

Police used K9 units Monday to apprehend a fugitive that fled into the woods after nearly causing a head-on collision while driving a stolen car on North Main Street.

Thomas Hunt, 50, of Medford, Mass., was charged with driving while intoxicated (second offense), resisting arrest, felony-level receiving stolen property and driving after suspension.

Salem Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten his department received a report about Hunt's erratic driving at about 2:30 p.m. Monday. Patten said Hunt then pulled the vehicle into Kev's Country Store, but fled on foot into the nearby woods after the witness who reported the near-collision approached Hunt in the parking lot.

Salem K9 Officer Dan Nelson and Trigger, one of the department's dogs, located Hunt "hunkered down in the woods near a swamp," according to Patten. Patten said Hunt allegedly refused to comply, at which point he was bitten by Trigger and dragged out of his hiding spot by officers.

Hunt was transported to the Salem police station, where he was treated for minor dog bites.