Rowley police officer on leave during off-duty crash investigation

ROWLEY, Mass. — A Rowley police officer has been placed on leave after he was cited for texting while driving and leaving the scene of a crash.

Rowley Police Chief Scott Dumas said the incident happened around 1 a.m. on Oct. 21 in Lynn while Officer Robert Adams was off-duty.

"He's a good guy, and it was just an accident.  It's not a big deal," Officer Adams' sister Tabitha said.

A source told FOX25 that after the crash, Adams drove down the road and then called police. He also allegedly admitted he was texting and driving.

"I think he was in shock too. Obviously when you get into a car accident, have to get your bearings and stuff," Tabitha said.

FOX25 went to Officer Adams' home, and while he wasn't there his sister spoke about the crash.

"It was blown out of proportion a little bit. He didn't really do anything wrong. He called the police, told them what happened," she said.

Adams has worked for the department since 2015 and is now on paid leave during this investigation.

Cox Media Group