By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(New Salem, MA) New Salem police officer Charles Brooks has pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of alcohol. On January 22nd Massachusetts State Trooper Mary Ashley responded to a report of a “suspicious person and vehicle” at a town official’s home in the early morning.
Trooper Ashley suspected Brooks had been drinking although he declined a field sobriety test. He was brought to Athol Hospital after complaining of chest pain on the way to the state police barracks and received a blood alcohol test. Brooks was released on personal recognizance and will appear in court again on March 14th.