Police: Marion Man Who Crashed Into Wareham Building Charged With DUI

The Wareham Police Department was busy on Tuesday, with officers making several arrests and responding to a car-versus-building incident.

At around 1:47 p.m., police responded to reports of a vehicle plowing into a building at 367 Main Street. There were no injuries, but police say the operator of the vehicle appeared to be intoxicated. They said the building was severely damaged. John P. Lopes, 71, of Marion, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Earlier that day, at around 9 a.m., 33-year-old Joshua Medeiros of East Wareham was arrested on two active warrants after Officer Aaron Pacheco saw him walking at the Cranberry Plaza. Nearly an hour later, 39-year-old Alexander Tratzinksi was arrested at the police station on an active warrant.

Shortly after 11 a.m., East Falmouth resident Brandon Buchanan, 24, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of drugs, operating to endanger, and following too closely. He also had an active warrant for his arrest. Buchanan, who had an active warrant out for his arrest, was taken into custody after a minor motor vehicle accident in front of 5-Star Gateway Gas at 2537 Cranberry Highway.

“Incidents with people driving under the influence are very troubling," said Police Chief John Walcek. "In these particular cases, we are lucky that no one was seriously injured or killed because of someone’s reckless conduct.”

Walcek said the Wareham Police Department "has zero tolerance for people who selfishly choose to endanger lives while behind the wheel.”