Officer Arraigned in Connection with Alleged OUI in Weston

WESTON – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Weston Chief of Police Michael Goulding have confirmed that Leo Richards, 54 of Weston was arraigned today in Waltham District Court in connection with allegedly operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol after crashing into a parked car behind the Weston Police station last night. Richards is a Weston Police Officer.

Richards was charged with operating under the influence and improper storage of a firearm.

Judge Shelley Joseph ordered the defendant released on personal recognizance and not to possess any firearms unless validly licensed. The next scheduled date is April 4, 2018. Richards has been placed on administrative leave from the Weston Police Department and has surrendered his badge, firearm and license to carry to Weston Police.

Last night at approximately 10:30 p.m. a dispatcher at the Weston Police Station reported hearing an apparent motor vehicle crash in the rear parking lot of the police station. Following the crash, police allegedly observed Richards, who was off duty, driving away from the parking lot. Police subsequently contacted the defendant and asked that he return to the police station to resolve the crash which resulted in some damage to a parked personal vehicle. Upon the defendant’s return to the police station officers allegedly observed signs that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol and administered a field sobriety test, which the defendant allegedly failed. The defendant was also charged in connection with allegedly having his department issued firearm in the trunk of his vehicle without being property secured by a locking mechanism or locked container.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to today’s arraignment was Assistant District Attorney Jacob McCrindle.