MARSHFIELD, Mass. – Three Good Samaritans are being hailed by police after they helped an officer arrest an accused drunken driver who is now facing numerous charges after police say he left the scene of a crash, threatened to kill police and kicked and spat at responding officers. .
James Michael Shields, 37, of 31 Blueberry Road, Marshfield, was arraigned Monday on more than two dozen charges and was being held on $1,500 bond after Saturday’s crash, police said in a announced Monday afternoon. Initial bail had been set Saturday at $10,000.
Shields was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, second offense; assault and battery on a police officer, five counts; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts; threatening to commit a crime, five counts; willful and unjust damage to property, two counts; intimidating a police officer, resisting arrest, reckless operation, negligent operation, speeding, leaving the scene of property damage, failure to stop, unsafe operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor signalling, failure to stop at a red light, marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker, unsafe lane change, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
“We are grateful beyond words to the three civilians who took it upon themselves without regard for their own safety to assist the initial responding officer during this dangerous encounter. Thank you,” said Police Chief Marshfield Phillip Tavares in a statement Monday. Tavares did not identify the three civilians.
Around 5pm on Saturday, Marshfield officers responded to the area of Ferry Street and Clay Pit Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident.
One of the vehicles involved, driven by Shields, left the scene of the crash and passed one of the responding officers, police said.
The responding officer pursued Shields’ vehicle, which had heavy damage from the crash, to the area of Furnace Street, and Shields failed to stop for the officer, police said.
“The vehicle accelerated and swerved in front of another vehicle while changing lanes,” police said. Shields then turned right into a commercial parking lot on Plain Street and stopped.
The officer exited his cruiser to check on Shields, and Shields began to drive away from the officer ignoring commands to stop, police said. Shields then put his right hand on his sweatshirt while insulting the officer. The officer attempted to arrest Shields, but he “began to actively walk away from the officer,” police said.
“Three good Samaritans in the area assisted the officer at the scene, allowing the officer to gain control of the suspect and place him in handcuffs after a prolonged struggle,” police said. “The shields continued to struggle with the officer and 3 civilians who put their own safety aside to assist the officer.”
Shields “continued to yell, scream, kick and spit at other officers who responded when they arrived on scene as a large crowd of local businesses witnessed,” police said. “The Shields continued to spit (containing blood) and kick officers as they placed him in the cruiser. He also continued to verbally abuse the responding officers throughout this event.”
Shields “also threatened to physically harm all officers at the scene and in the booking process, including threatening an officer and his family and threatening to kill the officer who initially responded as well as the officer who transported him at the station,” police said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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