SANDWICH — Sandwich Police Officer Matthew Cotter was placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for operating under the influence and other charges following an off-duty motor vehicle crash in Forestdale Friday night.
According to the Sandwich Police Department, on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., police received a report from a caller who said that a vehicle had driven through her bushes and struck her parked car on Grand Oak Road.
When Sandwich police officers arrived on scene, Cotter was identified as the operator of the vehicle, a black BMW X5. The Sandwich Police Department said Cotter was not injured.
Based on their observations, the responding officers suspected Cotter might be impaired and requested that a Massachusetts State Police supervisor investigate the crash, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
A preliminary investigation by state police found that the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a resident’s lawn, struck flower beds, and hit a parked vehicle in a driveway, before coming to a stop in the driveway of 33 Grand Oak Road.
According to CapeCod.com, after a field sobriety test, Matthew Cotter, 44, of Sandwich, was taken into custody and charged with the following:
- OUI Liquor
- Negligent operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Marked Lanes Violations
- Unregistered Motor Vehicle
Cotter was then transported to the Massachusetts State Police Bourne Barracks for processing.
While the investigation was underway, a relative of Cotter’s arrived on scene, Sandwich police said. An independent news videographer reported to police that the relative verbally abused and assaulted him. The Sandwich Police Department is investigating that incident.
In addition to the criminal charges filed by Massachusetts State Police, the Sandwich Police Department said it will conduct a thorough internal investigation.
The Sandwich Police Department said its officers hold one another and themselves to the highest standards and remain committed to serving the community with integrity, honor and accountability.
Cotter is expected to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court at a later date.
