New Bedford Police to Criminally Charge Overdosed Drivers

New Bedford Police will now begin charging people who overdose on heroin and other drugs behind the wheel of their vehicle.

The announcement was made Wednesday and comes after a New Bedford man was found overdosing in his truck in the West End last week, with many people on social media and talk radio asking why he wasn't charged.

New Bedford Police Spokesman Lt. Amos Melo tells WBSM News police had not been charging overdosed drivers because they had been treating the issue as a medical condition. "But, now it becomes a safety issue. And we're concerned with the safety of the public. I think we need to go one step further now and still treat it as a medical call, which it is, but then take the appropriate actions, if need be," said Lt. Melo.

Melo says those found to be passed out from drugs behind the wheel can be charged with operating under the influence of drugs, operating to endanger, and/or have their license revoked.