Patrick Dorsey, 37, of Lowell, Massachusetts

PELHAM — A motorist called police shortly before 9 a.m. Monday upon noticing that a black Toyota Scion “was all over the road,” and that the driver’s head was “nodding continuously” as he drove north on Marsh Road — and past the town’s three schools, police said.

As officers set out to locate the erratic operator, the motorist stayed on the phone with police dispatch, giving updates on the Scion’s location as the driver headed toward the area of Bridge Street and Old Bridge Street, according to police.

Among the officers searching for the Scion was Corporal Jaime Huertas, who, police said, happened upon a crash at the intersection of Bridge and Old Bridge that involved the Scion and a 2011 Chevy Malibu, police said.

Upon speaking with the drivers, Huertas determined that the operator of the Scion, Patrick Dorsey, 37, of Lowell, allegedly crashed into the rear of the Malibu, which was stopped at the intersection waiting for the light to turn green.

Police said the impact pushed the Malibu across the intersection, and the Scion came to rest on the opposite side of the road facing the wrong direction.

(Photo by PELHAM POLICE) The Toyota Scion involved in Monday's crash, which resulted in the arrest of the driver, sits on the side of Bridge Street in Pelham as police investigate the incident.

Medical personnel evaluated both drivers and determined they weren’t injured, police said.

But while investigating the crash, Huertas, in speaking with Dorsey, “observed indicators of impairment,” and placed Dorsey under arrest.

He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, criminal mischief, and following too close.

Dorsey was transported to police headquarters for booking, then later released on personal recognizance bail pending an appearance in Salem district court on June 6.

In a statement, police said they “would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have tragic consequences.”

They encouraged anyone who wishes to seek assistance to contact Detective Bruce Vieira, whom they described as “a valuable community resource (who) is always happy to work with citizens who want to break the cycle of addiction.”

Vieira can be reached by calling the department at 635-2411 or contacting him at bvieira@pelhampolice.com.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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