Driver blamed for causing I-91 crash in Easthampton

By OWEN BOSS
Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON — An alleged drunken driver who reportedly rear-ended a motorist on Interstate Route 91 — forcing the vehicle off the road in a construction zone in Easthampton — led police on high-speed chase Friday, reaching speeds over 120 mph, state police said.

James M. Scanlon, 53, of Springfield, pleaded innocent Monday in Northampton District Court to charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

According to Trooper Brian Pearle, at 8:16 p.m. Friday, a motorist called the Northampton barracks to report an erratic operator in a gray Toyota Avalon heading north on the highway at a high speed, forcing motorists off the road. The caller later told police Scanlon rear-ended him on the highway, causing him to lose control and strike the Jersey barriers at a construction zone in Easthampton near the Oxbow.

Near Exit 21 in Northampton, Pearle reportedly saw the vehicle pass. When he pulled out to stop the car, it accelerated away from him at speeds approaching 100 mph. In his report, Pearle noted that at one point his speedometer read 120 mph and he was unable to close the gap between himself and the vehicle.

Pearle eventually stopped the vehicle in Hatfield. He said he found a half-empty bottle of liqueur next to Scanlon in the front seat. After failing field sobriety tests, Scanlon was reportedly placed under arrest, police said.

A test for blood-alcohol content reportedly found that Scanlon was at twice the legal limit.
Judge Richard J. Carey released Scanlon on his own recognizance and he is scheduled to reappear for a pretrial hearing June 24.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com