1. “Drunk driver hits pedestrian in Dracut”
2. “Pedestrian injured by drunk driver in Dracut”.

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Drunk Driver Sentenced for Life-Altering Crash in Dracut

Last month, Christina DiGloria, a 48-year-old drunk driver from Tyngsboro, accepted a plea deal in the case that left a Dracut man with life-altering injuries. DiGloria pleaded guilty to operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury. As a result, she received a split sentence of two and a half years.

The Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham is currently housing DiGloria, where she will serve one year. Following her incarceration, she will be on probation for the remaining 18 months of her sentence. If DiGloria violates her probation during this time, she will face additional jail time.

The victim of this tragic incident, 63-year-old Paul O’Brien, continues his challenging journey to recovery. O’Brien, a former employee of the Lowell Sun and a court officer at the Lowell Judicial Center, suffered fractures to his legs, pelvis, hips, lower back, and a traumatic brain injury.

A detailed report filed by Dracut Police Patrol Officer John Quinn provides insight into the moments following the devastating crash. The incident occurred on March 5, 2022, around 6:50 p.m., in the vicinity of 1629 Lakeview Avenue.

Upon arrival at the scene, Quinn discovered O’Brien lying on a sidewalk, surrounded by concerned individuals. O’Brien was unresponsive and had no pulse. Witnesses informed Quinn that O’Brien had been struck by a vehicle and pointed to DiGloria as the responsible driver.

Quinn’s report revealed that DiGloria displayed signs of intoxication from the outset. She appeared unsteady on her feet and slurred her words. As Quinn and an off-duty first responder administered medical care to O’Brien, DiGloria continued to hover over the injured man, displaying further signs of impairment.

DiGloria’s actions became increasingly concerning as emergency crews arrived at the scene. She left the group and proceeded to get into her Ford Taurus, which was parked approximately 40 yards away. DiGloria then drove off.

Shortly after leaving the crash scene, DiGloria was involved in another collision on Michael Road, approximately two miles away. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident. However, Quinn noted that DiGloria exhibited continued signs of intoxication, including glossy, bloodshot eyes and a moderate odor of alcohol.

Following field sobriety testing, during which DiGloria failed to take the instructions seriously, she was taken into custody. DiGloria refused a chemical breath test and exhibited confusion about the location of her vehicle during the booking process.

Inside DiGloria’s car, police discovered four empty “nip” vodka bottles. A $7,500 bail was posted for DiGloria on the day of her arraignment, and she was ordered not to consume alcohol and to undergo random testing.

O’Brien was immediately transported by medical helicopter to Lahey Hospital in Boston for treatment. After spending over a month at the hospital, he underwent multiple surgeries and received in-patient care at various medical facilities. Finally, on June 25, 2022, O’Brien was allowed to return to his home.

During an interview with The Sun in July 2022, O’Brien revealed that he has no recollection of the near-fatal collision. He woke up two months later at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, with his wife, Sheila O’Brien, by his side.

James Milligan Jr., DiGloria’s attorney, referred to the incident as “an unfortunate tragedy.” He acknowledged that both DiGloria and O’Brien were good people, with DiGloria having a particularly bad day.

Milligan emphasized that everyone makes mistakes, and DiGloria is now working towards moving on from this event. He described her as a good mother and a hard worker who has expressed great remorse for the trauma she caused.

DiGloria is scheduled to appear in Cambridge District Court on March 1 for a restitution hearing.

Follow Aaron Curtis on X, formerly known as Twitter, @aselahcurtis

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1. “Drunk driver hits pedestrian in Dracut plea deal”
2. “Dracut pedestrian hit by drunk driver plea deal”.