A Massachusetts State Police trooper was arrested over the weekend and has since been relieved of duty following an alleged drunken driving incident in Boston’s South End. Trooper Donovan Preston, 31, was found by Boston Police officers allegedly slumped over the wheel of his BMW on Herald Street early Saturday morning, with an open container of High Noon vodka in the cupholder, according to a police report. The incident raises new questions about accountability within the state police force as it comes amid ongoing scrutiny of other alleged instances of driving under the influence involving troopers.
The arrest of Trooper Preston, whose base salary is $80,213, was confirmed by Massachusetts State Police Wednesday night. A spokesperson stated Preston has been “relieved of duty” and will be subject to the department’s disciplinary process. Further comment was directed to the Boston Police Department report. This means Preston is no longer actively performing his duties as a trooper while the investigation proceeds.
According to the Boston Police report, officers responded to Herald Street around 5:00 a.m. On Saturday, finding Preston’s vehicle stopped in a lane with its brake lights illuminated. Officers reported Preston was “slumped over with his eyes closed.” The report details that officers had to knock on the window for approximately ten seconds before Preston “lifted his head up.” When he did, police observed he appeared “confused” and that the vehicle began to roll forward, prompting officers to instruct him to open the door. The open container of High Noon, a hard seltzer with a significant alcohol content, was documented as evidence.
Details of the Arrest and Subsequent Action
The incident unfolded on a three-lane outbound road, where Preston’s black BMW partially blocked traffic. The Boston Police Department secured the scene and took Preston into custody. The State Police were subsequently notified of the arrest. The can of High Noon was logged into evidence, standard procedure in such cases. While the specific charges against Trooper Preston have not been publicly detailed beyond the initial allegation of operating under the influence (OUI), the incident is being treated with serious concern by state officials.
The timing of this arrest is particularly sensitive for the Massachusetts State Police. It comes as Sergeant Scott Quigley faces investigation in connection with a fatal crash in Woburn in 2023. A letter has accused the State Police of a deliberate cover-up in that case, which resulted in the death of Angelo Schettino, a disabled passenger in a van. Court documents revealed Quigley’s blood alcohol level reportedly registered at .114 – exceeding the legal limit of .08 – following the crash.
Concerns Over Police Conduct and Accountability
The Quigley case, and now the arrest of Trooper Preston, have fueled concerns about a potential pattern of misconduct within the Massachusetts State Police. A dashcam video from the Quigley incident, obtained by the Boston Herald, captured audio of officers discussing the situation, with one remarking, “Unless he’s s—faced, I’m not worried.” This comment sparked outrage and further scrutiny of the department’s handling of potential OUI cases involving its own personnel.
The State Police have not commented directly on the connection between these two cases, but the proximity in time and the serious nature of the allegations are likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and accountability. The department’s internal discipline process for Trooper Preston will be closely watched, as will any developments in the ongoing investigation into Sergeant Quigley’s conduct.
The Massachusetts State Police have a responsibility to uphold the law and maintain public trust. These recent incidents raise legitimate questions about whether that trust is being eroded. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against Trooper Preston, and the investigation into Sergeant Quigley, will be critical in determining how the department addresses these concerns and restores public confidence.
What Happens Next
Trooper Preston’s future with the Massachusetts State Police remains uncertain. He will be subject to an internal investigation and disciplinary process, the details of which have not yet been released. The department has not indicated a timeline for the completion of this process. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further information regarding potential criminal charges will come from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. The State Police have stated they will cooperate fully with any external investigations.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this report as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please consider sharing this article with others who may be interested in this important issue.
