By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Fitchburg St. location last week on reports of motor vehicle crash.

Dispatch advised the officers that the vehicle had crashed into a wall and had parked. A moment later dispatch notified them that the operator was now back at the car and that he was attempting to leave. While the officers were still on their way dispatch updated them that the vehicle was on fire.

Upon arrival, several residents were pointing to where the car was. The officers noticed a vehicle matching the description provided to them, and they ordered all the bystanders to get away from the vehicle in question.

The officers noticed a man, later identified as Samuel Wilson, of Reading, in the vehicle and ordered him out and away from it. Wilson complied and immediately started yelling he was sorry, according to reports.

Once he was safely away from the vehicle an officer retrieved the fire extinguisher out of the back of his patrol car and attempted to put out the fire under the hood of the car.

The entire front of the car was reportedly smashed up and the driver’s side airbag had been deployed. Once the Fire Department was on scene the officers were able to speak to Wilson. When asked what had happened he reportedly became extremely animated and screamed that he was sorry and that he had too much to drink.

The officers noted that Wilson was slurring his words, was unsteady on his feet, and they could detect a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath.  His eyes were also bloodshot and glassy, his eyelids droopy.

The officers noticed a red mark on his nose and they asked Mr. Wilson if he wanted medical attention, but he declined to both the officers and the EMTs.

The officers asked Wilson if the mark was from the airbag and he could not tell them where it came from. They also asked Wilson if he was driving and he reportedly said yes. He stated that he crashed into the wall. The key to the vehicle was found in Wilsons front right coat pocket.

Wilson was asked how much he had to drink that evening and he reportedly stated, “Too much, take me to jail.”

The officers asked Wilson if he would submit to field sobriety tests and he agreed. Wilson was asked if he had any injuries due to the crash and he stated that he did not. I asked Mr. Wilson if he had any history of major injuries to his body and he stated no. Wilson also stated he does not have balance problems and does not have any problems with his lower body. He was wearing lace up sneakers that he said he owned for at least four months. He stated that he is very comfortable in them and that they are well broken in.

After going through a series of field sobriety tests, it was determined that Wilson was legally intoxicated, being under the influence of alcohol.

Wilson was subsequently placed under arrest charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and was taken in for booking.