Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Worcester Man Arraigned After Alleged Wrong-Way I-95 Chase in Newburyport

He is held on $5,000 bail pending a Jan. 14 pre-trial hearing.

Overview

  • Massachusetts State Police say Paulius Balciunas, 36, drove south in the I-95 northbound lanes on Christmas night near Newbury.
  • The black Subaru exited at Exit 83 onto Scotland Road and was tracked for nearly three miles as it allegedly drove erratically on the wrong side of local roads.
  • Troopers and officers from Newburyport, West Newbury and Groveland pursued until the car stopped on High Street after passing the Route 1 rotary.
  • Police report the driver ignored commands and waved an unknown item before he was removed from the vehicle, requested medical care, and was taken to a hospital prior to booking.
  • Authorities determined he was under the influence of drugs, and court records list charges including OUI-drugs, negligent operation, failure to stop, resisting arrest, speeding, and driving in the breakdown lane; no injuries were reported.