A state trooper investigating the crash found two pill bottles containing various pills and tablets in the vehicle NIchols was driving.
Robert R. NicholsBLANDFORD - State Police this morning issued a press release on the arrest of selectman Robert R. Nichols following a collision with a school bus Thursday morning.
A state trooper investigating the crash found two pill bottles containing various pills and tablets in the vehicle Nichols was driving, the release says. A trooper trained to recognize the physiological effects of drug use participated in interviewing Nichols.
The full text of the press release is included below.
Nichols is scheduled to be arraigned in Westfield District Court today. MassLive.com will carry an update on the arraignment when information is available. Nichols was released yesterday on personal recognizance after being held in custody at Nobel Hospital, where he was taken following the crash.
State Police Charge Drugged Driver in Crash Involving School Bus
Massachusetts State Police Troopers from the Russell Barracks yesterday arrested a Blandford man with drugged driving and other charges related to a head-on crash between his sport utility vehicle and a school bus.
Troopers charged ROBERT R. NICHOLS, 50, with operating under the influence of drugs, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding following an investigation into the crash, which occurred at 8:05 a.m. on the northbound side of South Street, near Route 23, in Blandford.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Mark Rogers indicates that NICHOLS was operating a 2005 Land Rover southbound on South Street in the opposing direction of the school bus, which is owned by Lecrenski Brothers, Inc. bus company of Westfield. The bus was being driven by a 56-year-old Southwick man and carried as passengers four Blandford students.
Evidence indicates that NICHOLS’ Land Rover traveled down South Street at an excessive rate of speed, crossing and re-crossing the center median, and eventually swerved into the path of the bus. The bus driver braked and turned to the right in an attempt to avoid a collision but could not avoid the Land Rover.
Four Chester Elementary School students showed no apparent injuries when examined at the scene by Hilltown EMS. The parent of one of the children arrived on scene and took custody of that student. The other three students were transported to Noble Hospital for precautionary reasons in Westfield and later released to the custody of their parents. The bus driver was also transported to Noble for precautionary examination.
Troopers, meanwhile, observed NICHOLAS sitting behind the wheel of the Land Rover appearing sleepy and showing signs of impairment. NICHOLS suffered minor injuries and was transported to Noble Hospital.
During a subsequent inventory of the Land Rover, Trooper Rogers found two pill bottles containing various pills and tablets. State Trooper Jamie Magarian, a drug recognition expert – a trooper trained to recognize the physiological effects of drug use – assisted Trooper Rogers in interviewing NICHOLS. After that interview, and as a result of all investigative measures, Troopers formed the opinion that NICHOLS was under the influence of narcotics, placed him under arrest at the hospital and provided him his Miranda Rights. Troopers booked NICHOLS and kept him in custody at the hospital until a Westfield District Court clerk set his bail at personal recognizance. NICHOLS was discharged from the hospital at approximately 4 p.m. yesterday.