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Haverhill police officer charged with 2nd OUI

HAVERHILL, Mass. — For the second time, a Haverhill police officer has been arrested and charged with OUI.

Police said they responded to a report of a driver crashing into two parked cars in the area of 125 South Main St. just after 8 p.m. Thursday.

Police arrested Francis C. Rogers, 60, of Haverhill, for OUI, second offense.

One witness, who wanted to stay anonymous, said he saw the off-duty police officer first hit a red SUV and then careen into at least one other car. The witness said the officer then started to drive off, but when he turned around, people ran up to stop him.

Police say Rogers was in his car when they arrived. His fellow officers say he was swaying and staggering while taking a field sobriety test.

He was booked at the Haverhill Police Department and was released on bail. His first DUI was back in the late 90's.

The officer is on paid leave while this case is pending. He will be back in court later this month and lost his license since he refused to take a breathalyzer.