MBTA Transit Police officer facing drunk driving charge after allegedly crashing into pole

A Boston MBTA Transit Police officer is facing a drunk driving charge and has been placed on “modified duty” after allegedly driving onto a sidewalk and crashing his car into a pole. The incident occurred on October 19, according to the Boston Herald.

Jonathan Daveiga, 27, of Wayland, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol following a single-car crash at the Leverett Circle intersection. Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene in the early hours of the morning, as reported by State Trooper Luis Blanco.

Court records indicate that Daveiga was also charged with failing to stop or yield. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on October 20 in the Charlestown division of Boston Municipal Court and was subsequently released on personal recognizance.

State Police detailed the scene to the Herald, stating they found Daveiga’s gray Jeep Grand Cherokee on the curb with the front panel pressed up against a “no left turn” sign. Although Daveiga claimed he had only consumed two drinks approximately two hours before the crash, officers suspected intoxication.

“Due to the odor of an alcoholic beverage, his slurred speech, vomit inside and outside the vehicle, and his statements of having consumed alcoholic beverages prior in the night, I determined that it was necessary to perform assessments to determine if he was able to operate a motor vehicle,” said State Trooper John Cherwek.

After conducting several tests, Cherwek determined that Daveiga was impaired. Additionally, Daveiga allegedly refused to take a portable breathalyzer test. Under Massachusetts state law, refusal to take a breathalyzer test when arrested for operating under the influence results in an automatic driver’s license suspension.

In response to the incident, Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan told the Herald, “We have faith in the judicial process and in the interim have placed the officer on modified duty while said process progresses through the system.” He also confirmed that the Transit Police Department promptly notified the Massachusetts POST Commission upon learning of the incident.

Jonathan Daveiga is scheduled to return to court on December 19.
https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2025/11/09/mbta-transit-police-officer-facing-drunk-driving-charge-after-allegedly-crashing-into-pole/