Police spotted the suspect early Tuesday in the Indian Orchard neighborhood.
Michael PachecoSPRINGFIELD – Police said that a 34-year-old city man, charged with drunken driving for the third time early Tuesday in Indian Orchard, fell asleep while his arresting officer asked him questions to test his sobriety.
The suspect, initially spotted shortly before 1:45 a.m. as he pulled his BMW behind a dumpster in the parking lot of Indian Orchard Plaza, saw the approaching officer and ran, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.
Officer Daniel M. Billingsley chased the suspect to Myrtle Street where he found him hiding in tall grass, Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said.
When police asked the suspect why he ran, he replied “(Because) I was drunk,” Delaney said.
The incident began when Billingsley, on patrol due to large number of breaking and enterings in the area, spotted the suspect, whose BMW had heavy front end damage.
Michael Pacheco, of 60 West Canton Circle, legally drunk, admitted to using cocaine and was also charged with operating under the influence of a drug. Delaney said his BMW was full of empty and full bottles of liquor and beer
Pacheco had been convicted for drunk driving in November of 2006 and October of 2009, Delaney said.
Pacheco was also charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license, resisting arrest and open container.