Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
43-foot boat runs aground on Martha’s Vineyard, operator arrested
A trooper administered field sobriety tests to the man on scene after recognizing signs of impairment, State Police said.
A man was arrested last week for allegedly being drunk when he ran a 43-foot boat aground on Martha’s Vineyard, officials said.
Riley Blizard, 32, of Cotuit, was arrested on charges of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation of a boat after failing field sobriety tests on scene, State Police said in a press release.
The incident happened on Friday evening when State Police were notified at around 9:40 p.m. that a large boat had run aground on Chappaquiddick Island, according to the release. The responding trooper identified the boat as a 43-foot Hinckley Sport Boat 40C.
Advertisement:
Two men were on the boat at the time of the crash, State Police said. The men told police that a “navigational error” was made, officials said.
When the trooper talked to Blizard, who was operating the boat at the time of the crash, he “immediately recognized the signs of impairment,” the press release said.
The trooper took Blizard to a nearby road to administer field sobriety tests. Based on the tests, Blizzard was arrested and transported to Dukes County Jail for booking, State Police said.
Blizard was arraigned at Edgartown District Court, according to police.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com