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Worcester Man Arraigned After Wrong-Way Christmas Chase on I-95 Near Newburyport

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

Overview

  • Paulius Balciunas, 36, faces charges including operating under the influence of drugs, negligent operation, failure to stop for police, resisting arrest, speeding, and driving in the breakdown lane.
  • Troopers say he drove south in I-95's northbound lanes around 9:30 p.m., exited at Scotland Road, and continued on local roads before stopping on High Street in Newburyport.
  • State and local officers from Newburyport, West Newbury, and Groveland coordinated the response as he allegedly ignored commands and waved an unknown item before being removed from the car.
  • Police determined he was under the influence of drugs, provided medical care at the scene, transported him to a hospital, and reported no injuries from the pursuit.
  • Authorities said prescription bottles for Adderall and Fluoxetine were found in the vehicle and troopers described him as sweaty, confused, and staring blankly.