— Photos by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

While on duty blocking traffic in support of the ‘Jungle Bell Run’ marathon race last Sunday, a Somerville police officer’s cruiser was smashed into by another vehicle while the race was underway.

The officer’s cruiser was parked in the street with the blue lights on at Bristol Rd. and Broadway, blocking through traffic for the runners’ safety.

Just before noon, the officer noticed a car stopped at the intersection that seemed to be waiting for the light to turn green. When the vehicle failed to move after the green light the officer approached and saw that the driver, later identified as Stephen Murphy, 47, appeared to be asleep at the wheel.

After getting no response from tapping on the driver’s side window, the officer flagged down a passing EMT unit in case the driver was found to be in need of medical attention.

After repeatedly rapping on the vehicle’s windows, the officer and EMT personnel finally managed to wake Murphy who immediately accelerated the car and broadsided the parked police cruiser.

According to reports, Murphy seemed to have fallen asleep again while still pressing the vehicle’s accelerator peddle, although the car was smashed against the officer’s cruiser.

At that point the officer smashed the driver’s side window in order to turn off the ignition and remove the keys, for the safety of everyone in the vicinity.

After Murphy regained consciousness the officer asked him if he was all right but he did not answer. When asked what had happened Murphy still did not speak.

The officer asked Murphy to step out of the vehicle, at which time it was reportedly apparent that he was having trouble maintaining his balance.

The officer reportedly helped Murphy walk to a nearby parked vehicle that he leaned on as the officer continued his questioning.

When asked whether or not he was diabetic, Murphy reportedly said “yes” in a slurred manner. However, the ambulance crew members reportedly found that Murphy’s glucose level appeared normal after administering a test.

When asked whether or not he had been drinking, Murphy said that he had not. When asked where he had just come from he reportedly said “home,” and when asked where he was going he also said “home,” according to reports.

The officer reported that he detected a strong odor of mouthwash on Murphy’s breath.

Although some initial witness reports suggested that Murphy had smashed into the police cruiser out of frustration due to the blockage of the roadway, it was ultimately determined that the incident occurred because of the impaired state of Murphy’s ability to remain conscious while driving.

Murphy was placed under arrest and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.