Salem police issue warning ahead of Halloween after woman struck, dragged by alleged drunken driver

SALEM, Mass. — Police in Salem are warning the public not to get behind the wheel while impaired ahead of Halloween after an alleged drunken driver struck and dragged a woman with his car over the weekend.

Officers assigned to the Haunted Happenings event responded to the area of 318 Essex Street around 7 p.m. Saturday for a motor vehicle crash where a 35-year-old woman had been struck and dragged under a Toyota Rav 4, according to the Salem Police Department.

The woman sustained serious injuries and was freed from beneath the vehicle by concerned citizens.

The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment. There was no immediate word on her injuries.

After an investigation, police say officers arrested 43-year-old Vasiliy Orlov, of Salem, and charged him with operating under the influence of liquor 3rd offense, speeding, negligent operation, marked lanes violation, leaving the scene of property damage, crosswalk violation, and open container of alcohol in a vehicle.

Hours after that crash, officers responding to a report of BMW 535XI traveling at a high rate of speed on Washington Street just before 12:30 a.m. learned that the driver had nearly plowed into officers in high-visibility uniforms at the same Haunted Happenings event.

The driver, who police identified as 47-year-old Salem native Vincent Roub, was later pulled over on Canal Street and arrested on charges of operating under the influence of liquor 3rd offense, negligent operation, operating with a suspended license, and speeding.

In a statement announcing the arrests, police warned the public that officers would be out in full force, monitoring the area for impaired drivers through Halloween.

“The Salem Police Department urges individuals to drink responsibly, and never to drive a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This time of year, the City of Salem is filled with people enjoying the season,” said police in a statement. “The Salem Police Department is committed to detecting and arresting those who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.”

Both crashes remain under investigation.

“You definitely don’t want anything like that to happen and we would like to say that for the entire month we’ve been pretty safe,” said Stacia Cooper, assistant director of Destination Salem. “The city of Salem first responders have been so thoughtful in planning out the public safety for this month and they are ready for it.”

What they have to be ready for is a Halloween night crowd of 50,000 — which would roughly double the population of Salem. The city reminded visitors there is limited parking and hefty fines for leaving vehicles in resident-only spots. There is also the threat those vehicles might get towed.

And that’s a real threat. Monday, Bill’s Auto Clinic showed up at the Washington Street Dunkin’ Donuts in Salem and pulled away two vehicles that had been left there past the 30 minutes allowed. Cost to retrieve those vehicles: $143 if picked up on the same day. Fines expand if police are involved in the parking violation.

In addition, the city is tripling fines — up to $300 — for bad public behavior, including public drinking.

Cooper advised visitors to consider taking commuter rail to Salem or a ferry from Boston. If driving is the only option, there is satellite parking at Salem High School, with a shuttle to downtown.

“Don’t bring anything but your good intentions and a great attitude,” said Cooper.

And once the big night is over? Cooper said the city will breathe a collective sigh.

“Ten o’clock the fireworks will be over the North River and that is always the bell for... it’s been a great month, folks, but now it’s time to leave.”

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

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group