Arrest warrant out for Norton Police officer who failed to show up to court on OUI charge

NORTON, Mass. — A Norton Police officer was arrested over the weekend for operating under the influence and has been placed on leave after he allegedly fled the scene of a motor vehicle accident that injured a woman.

Joshua Archer, 31, was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. Archer was set to be arraigned at the Attleboro District Court Monday but he did not appear, and his attorney said he entered a treatment program over the weekend and was not trying to run from anything.

Prosecutors asked for a warrant to bring him to court and the judge agreed.

Norton Police responded to the intersection of West Main Street and Taunton Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash around 1 a.m. Saturday. While responding to the scene, officers were informed by the driver of the other vehicle that a black Dodge Durango fled the scene.

Officers later located the Durango on Taunton Avenue, and Archer was taken into custody. The driver of the Nissan was sent to Morton Hospital by the Norton Fire Department for non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers say they believe the Durango was turning right onto Taunton Avenue from West Main Street and sideswiped the Nissan while at the traffic light.

Archer has been a member of the Norton Police Department for eight years and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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