GROTON — On Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 7:25 p.m., Groton police were dispatched to Cherry Tree Lane following a report of a motor vehicle crash.
According to Groton Deputy Police Chief Rachael Mead, the caller reported that a sedan had struck a neighbor’s mailbox and was trying to leave the scene.
“The caller also expressed concern that the operator might be impaired,” Deputy Chief Mead said.
When police arrived on scene, they spoke with the reporting party who stated that they were in their yard when they heard a loud crash across the street. The reporting party walked in the direction of the sound and observed a Toyota Prius with Massachusetts plates that had struck their neighbor’s mailbox and was attempting to leave the area.
“Officers made contact with the operator, identified as Richard Antunes of Leominster, who explained that he worked for a food delivery service and had misjudged a turn while attempting to enter a driveway to make a delivery,” Deputy Chief Mead said. “While speaking with Mr. Antunes, officers observed that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy and detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. Officers also observed several open bottles of liquor in the back seat of the vehicle.”
Following an investigation, police determined that Antunes had been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Richard Antunes, of Leominster, was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with:
- OUI-Liquor
- Person under 21 Possessing Liquor
“At the police station, Mr. Antunes submitted to a breath test, which indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.073%,” Deputy Chief Mead said.
Antunes was arraigned in Ayer District Court.
