Waltham Man Arrested After Hitting Pole

Waltham Police arrested a 23-year-old Waltham man on Tuesday after he allegedly struck a utility pole. 

Police arrested Brian McGonigle, 23, of 129 Clark St., and charged him with driving under the influence of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol, a marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of an open container of alcohol, leaving the scene of property damage and starting, back stopping. 

According to Sgt. Joseph Guigno, McGonigle was driving on Prospect Street on Tuesday when he struck a utility pole and left the scene. Officers followed the car, which led them to 124 Charles St., where McGonigle stopped. Officers spoke to the suspect, who appeared disoriented, smelled of alcohol and had dilated pupils, according to Guigno. McGonigle denied he had been in a crash minutes earlier and said he had been taking prescription medication that made him appear drunk. McGongile denied he had been drinking, but officers found an open beer bottle in his car as well as Vicodin, for which he did not have prescription. Also, McGonigle failed a field sobriety test.