News

Weston police officer charged with OUI, improper gun storage

WESTON, Mass. - A Weston police officer drunkenly crashed his car behind the station Sunday night, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Officer Leo Richards, 54, was under the influence when he crashed the car, officials said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Richards was charged with operating under the influence and improper storage of a firearm.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave and has been asked to surrender his badge, gun and license to carry, according to the department.

Ryan said a dispatcher heard the crash behind the station about 10:30 p.m. Sunday night and officers found Richard, who was off duty at the time, and said he appeared to be intoxicated.

Richards was given a field sobriety test, which he allegedly failed.

Police say the gun charge is because Richards had his firearm in the trunk of his car and it was not secured in a locked container or with any type of locking mechanism.

Another parked vehicle behind the station was damaged in the crash, Ryan said.