Chilmark police cited a Chilmark man for drunk driving, following a two-car accident on Middle Road, at about 5 pm Tuesday. It is the third alcohol-related accident in the past two weeks in the up-Island town.
Police issued a summons to Christopher MacLeod, 43. At a probable cause hearing, police will seek charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, negligent operation, a marked lane violation, and assault and battery. Chilmark police Chief Brian Cioffi said the accident is still under investigation. He declined to elaborate on the assault and battery charge. He said it did not involve a police officer.
“I’m concerned that this is the third accident involving alcohol in two weeks,” Mr. Cioffi said. “Police will be stepping up enforcement. We’ll be doing more road patrols and initiating more traffic stops.”
Chief Cioffi said after the initial investigation, it appeared that Mr. MacLeod crossed the center lane into the opposite lane of the narrow roadway and collided with a car coming the other way. Mr. MacLeod was eventually transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle, Rex Williams of Chilmark, refused medical treatment at the scene.
