Canton man charged with fifth OUI after crashing into police cruiser
BOSTON, February 25, 2025 – A Canton man is facing a fifth drunk driving charge after he crashed into a Boston police cruiser on its way to a call over the weekend, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
THOMAS APPRILLE, 57, was charged in West Roxbury BMC Monday with operating under the influence-liquor, 4th or greater offense and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, subsequent offense.
Judge John McDonald set bail at $4,000 and ordered Apprille to remain alcohol free. McDonald also ordered Apprille to be fitted with a SCRAM device for daily testing if he posts bail.
The SCRAM remote breath device is a handheld, wireless unit that monitors people who are court-ordered to stay alcohol-free.
Apprille is due back in court on April 16 for a pre-trial hearing.
At about 6:57 p.m. on February 22, Boston police responded to a crash at the intersection of Morton Street and Cemetery Road involving a department vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers observed a white Dodge Ram crashed into a light pole with major front-end damage and the front wheels caved in. Officers observed a Boston police cruiser with passenger side damage and front-end damage. Air bags in both vehicles were deployed.
The officer operating the cruiser reported he was responding to a call with his partner with lights and sirens activated. As he was turning right onto Cemetery Road from Morton Street, a white Dodge Ram drove into the passenger side of the cruiser.
After the collision, the officer exited his cruiser and approached the Dodge Ram, operated by Apprille. The officer observed Apprille throw a can of beer over the top of the truck. Officers observed Apprille to be in a dazed state with glossy eyes.
Both officers and Apprille were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation.
A CJIS query revealed Apprille’s license to be suspended.
Apprille was convicted of three OUI offenses in the 1990s and numerous operating after a suspended license charges in subsequent years. He was charged with a fourth OUI and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in 2007 but was convicted only on the negligence charge.
“The disregard for safety here is inexcusable. Not only did this person’s conduct put himself and Boston police officers—and frankly, every other motorist in the vicinity—in danger; it also took away police resources and presence from another incident,” Hayden said.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications