SANDWICH, Mass.- A Sandwich police officer was placed on administrative leave after an off-duty crash Friday night that led to an OUI-related arrest, according to police.
Officer Matthew Cotter was identified as the driver after police responded to a crash on Grand Oak Road in Forestdale at about 9:30 p.m. on September 11.
Police said a vehicle had driven through bushes and hit a parked car. Cotter was not injured.
Officers at the scene suspected Cotter may have been impaired and asked Massachusetts State Police to investigate the crash. Cotter was later arrested on OUI-related charges and taken to the Massachusetts State Police Bourne Barracks for processing.
While the investigation was underway, a relative of Cotter arrived at the scene. Police said an independent news videographer reported that the relative verbally confronted him and assaulted him. The Sandwich Police Department is investigating that incident.
The department said it will also conduct its own internal investigation in addition to the criminal charges brought by Massachusetts State Police.
Cotter’s placement on administrative leave follows the crash and his arrest.
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