SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield woman faces 21 charges after a series of chaotic crashes Friday morning that injured two police officers and caused extensive property damage, according to the Springfield Police Department.
The incident began around 11:40 a.m. on the 500 block of Sumner Avenue, where first responders were called to a report of a car striking an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot. Firefighters attempted to assist the driver, later identified as 37-year-old Jennifer Poulin, who appeared unresponsive. However, as they tried to gain access to her vehicle, Poulin placed it in reverse, forcing multiple first responders to quickly move out of the way.
Poulin then drove out of the parking lot toward Belmont Avenue. According to the Springfield Police Department, officers on foot and in cruisers attempted to stop Poulin as she struck an occupied vehicle, two parked cars, and then two police cruisers with officers inside. Poulin then struck another cruiser before reversing into a snowbank.
As officers attempted to open her door, Poulin drove through the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Sumner Avenue, crashing into the Caring Health Center. Officers managed to open the passenger door, but Poulin reversed the vehicle, hitting an officer with the door in the process. Poulin reversed further, crashing into another part of the Caring Health Center.
Poulin then put the car in drive and proceeded down Belmont Avenue, hitting three more parked cars before finally coming to a stop on the sidewalk on the 400 block of Belmont Avenue.
Officers took her into custody at the scene.
Police say Poulin was driving with a suspended license in an uninsured and unregistered vehicle. Officers found crack cocaine inside the car and methamphetamine on her person. Poulin was taken to Baystate Medical Center for evaluation before she was booked at the Springfield Police Headquarters.
Two officers were treated for injuries at Mercy Medical Center and later released.
In total, Poulin is accused of striking 10 vehicles, including two police cruisers, an officer on foot, and the Caring Health Center building twice.
Poulin faces the following 21 charges:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
- Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
- Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash (2 counts)
- Leaving the scene of a property damage crash (10 counts)
- Number plate violation to conceal ID
- Possession of a Class B drug (2 counts)
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
- Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
- OUI – drugs
