Car Crash Leads To Arrest

Press Release

On 4/21/13 at about 5:40 p.m., Wrentham Police responded to a single car motor vehicle accident on Rt.140 in the area of 205 Dedham Street. On arrival, officers found three occupants of a 1997 Toyota Corolla all of whom were seriously injured.

The operator was identified as Rhiannon Gately, date of birth 09/28/81, of 183 Cornell Street, Roslindale, MA.  The operator was extricated by Wrentham Fire Department using the Jaws of Life and was transported to a Rhode Island hospital via Med Flight.

The front seat passenger was identified as James A. Gately, date of birth 06/29/78, of 183 Cornell Street, Roslindale, MA. He was seriously injured, was transported to Norwood Hospital and transferred to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.

Their child, an 8 year old female, was seriously injured and transported to a Rhode Island Hospital.

Preliminary investigation determined the passenger, James Gately, grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle while his wife was driving northbound on Rt. 140. As a result of grabbing the steering wheel, it is alleged James Gately took over operation of the vehicle, causing it to cross the center line and strike a tree on the southbound shoulder.

James Gately is charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Serious Bodily Injury Resulting; Assault & Battery With a Dangerous Weapon (the vehicle); Operating After Suspension and Child Endangerment. He is in police custody at the Women & Brigham Hospital, held without bail. James Gately will be arraigned on Monday morning, April 22. 2013.

Norfolk Police assisted at the accident scene along with Mass State Police Accident Reconstruction, Trooper George.

Investigation is continuing with Wrentham Officer Saulnier; Officer Cowley and Officer Schwalbe.