DARTMOUTH — A New Bedford man is arrested in Dartmouth after crashing his car into a utility pole and causing havoc while under the influence.

On Saturday, November 10, 2018 at approximately 5:24 p.m., Dartmouth Police and other emergency personnel responded to the area of 104 Chase Road for a motor vehicle vs. utility pole crash.

Upon arrival, officers had to immediately shut traffic down, as the utility pole was severed as a result of the impact. Also at this time, officers identified the operator of the involved 2006 Subaru Impreza as Keith Avila, 34, of Sycamore Street in New Bedford.

From the onset of making contact with police, Avila was described as being “belligerent.”

As a result of the corresponding investigation that took place, Avila was placed under arrest.

Upon arrival at Dartmouth Police Headquarters, Avila threatened officers, vandalized town property, struck his own head against a bathroom wall, and urinated in a trash can while handcuffed to the booking room wall.

Avila was subsequently charged with operating under the influence of liquor, a marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, having an open container of liquor in a motor vehicle, intimidation of a witness and vandalism. In addition, Avila also received a town by-law violation for having an open container of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

Though Avila stated that he was not injured as a result of the crash (or striking his own head against the wall), he was evaluated by EMS personnel and refused further medical treatment.

--Dartmouth Police

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