Springfield man accused of stripping down, fleeing scene of crash

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A 35-year-old Springfield man is facing charges for his alleged role in a car crash after police say they spotted him running down the street wearing only a pair of socks.

An officer claims he was directing traffic in the area of Washburn and Plainfield streets just before 1 p.m. Wednesday when he spotted the man, later identified as Jose L. Monge, streaking. The officer left his traffic detail and began to chase Monge.

Monge was spotted a few minutes later by other officers who were called in to help. By this time, Monge was wearing a pair of shorts and a light jacket.

After Monge was taken into custody, investigators learned he was involved in a crash at the intersection of West and Avocado streets. Witnesses claim they saw Monge doing "donuts" in the middle of the intersection before he lost control of his car and smashed into a tractor trailer. They say Monge then got out of the car, took off all his clothes except for his socks, and fled on foot.

The 35-year-old reportedly told police he borrowed pain killers from his neighbor for a shoulder injury and that they made him "act crazy."

Monge is charged with disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and operating under the influence of drugs.

Cox Media Group