NEW SALEM — An Orange man was arrested on multiple charges following a two-car accident on Route 202 Friday afternoon — a crash that sent three to the hospital.
Darrell Cleveland, 63, was arrested on charges of OUI-liquor, OUI-drugs, negligent operation of a vehicle and a marked lanes violation.
Massachusetts State Trooper James DeAngelis said the crash occurred on Route 202 in the area of Moosehorn Road at approximately 3:53 p.m.
“There was a 2014 Nissan Versa, which appears to have caused the crash,” DeAngelis said of Cleveland’s vehicle.
According to DeAngelis, Cleveland struck a 2012 Mini Cooper driven by a 57-year-old woman from Ayer and with a passenger in the back. Cleveland was transported to Athol Hospital with minor injuries. After being released from the hospital, Cleveland was taken to the Athol State Police barracks for booking.
According to Diego Abrams, the partner of the woman driving the Mini Cooper, that woman suffered multiple fractures in her left leg, and has been released from the hospital but faces a “long recovery.” In addition, her passenger was admitted to the hospital with whiplash injuries, but has been released.
“It was a serious accident and had she not swerved right, she would be dead from this,” Abrams said.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264. David McLellan contributed to reporting.