Ex-Lowell Officer Indicted On Manslaughter Charge

September 18, 2014

The Associated Press

A Lowell police officer charged with being drunk and causing a fatal car crash has resigned.

Lowell police Officer Eric Wayne is arraigned, Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in district court in Lawrence, Mass., on charges he was driving drunk when he caused a fatal accident Saturday in Methuen. (AP/Lowell Sun, Pool) — Lowell police Officer Eric Wayne was arraigned Monday. (AP/Lowell Sun, Pool)

Eric Wayne was indicted Wednesday on charges of manslaughter by motor vehicle, motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The Sun reports that the 41-year-old Wayne filed papers to resign from the department a day before he was indicted.

Police say Wayne was driving west on Route 110 in Methuen just after midnight on Aug. 23 when he crossed the center line and struck an SUV head-on. The driver, 26-year-old Briant Paula of Lawrence, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Paula's sister, who was in the passenger seat, was injured.

Wayne is being held on bail after pleading not guilty.

Prosecutor: Lowell Cop In Crash Discussed Leaving Scene