A man is facing his third drunken driving offense after a woman was hit and dragged by a car in downtown Salem hours before several officers were nearly hit by another impaired driver, according to the Salem Police Department.
Around 7 p.m., a 35-year-old woman was struck and dragged underneath a gray Toyota RAV4 near 318 Essex St. on Saturday, Oct. 28, police said. Another vehicle was also hit, police said.
The woman sustained serious injuries and was freed from underneath the RAV4 by witnesses. First responders immediately provided aid to her as well, according to police.
The driver, later identified as 43-year-old Vasiliy Orlov, of Salem, was arrested. He is being charged with operating under the influence of liquor (third offense), speeding, negligent operation, marked lanes violation, leaving the scene of property damage, crosswalk violation, and open container of alcohol in a vehicle.
Then, at around 12:30 a.m., officers assigned to the Haunted Happenings event were almost hit by a black BMW 535XI speeding on Washington Street towards New Derby Street.
Police pulled the vehicle over on Canal Street where they arrested the driver, 47-year-old Vincent Roub, also of Salem. He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor (third offense), negligent operation, operating with a suspended license subsequent offense and speeding, police said.
The department used both incidents to remind residents to drink responsibly and never get behind the wheel of a car after drinking or doing drugs.
“This time of year, the City of Salem is filled with people enjoying the season,” the department said in a statement. “The Salem Police Department is committed to detecting and arresting those who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.”
