Peabody, MA (May 31, 2026) – Two people were injured in a head-on collision involving a Massachusetts State Police cruiser and a passenger vehicle overnight on Route 1 in Peabody.
The accident occurred after a state trooper observed a wrong-way driver traveling south in the northbound lanes of the highway. According to reports, efforts were underway to prevent additional traffic from entering the roadway when the oncoming vehicle struck a marked patrol cruiser.
The driver, identified as 41-year-old Lucas Gustavo Brajak DeAlmeida Benedetto of Newburyport, and the trooper were both taken to a hospital with injuries. Benedetto was later released from medical care.
Officials said Benedetto faces multiple charges, including operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and driving the wrong way on a state highway. He was expected to appear in Peabody District Court on Monday, June 1.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the wreck as additional details are gathered. We hope those hurt in the roadway accident make a full and speedy recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Driving Collisions Often Result in Serious Injuries
Wrong-way driving collisions are among the most dangerous roadway occurrences because vehicles are often traveling toward one another at highway speeds. The combined force involved in these encounters can greatly increase the risk of severe harm, even when modern safety systems are present.
Many wrong-way driving cases happen during overnight hours when visibility is reduced and traffic patterns may be less predictable. Drivers traveling in the correct direction may have very little time to react after spotting an oncoming vehicle in their lane.
Investigators commonly review roadway markings, traffic signs, lighting, vehicle positions, and witness accounts after these types of crashes. Information gathered from onboard vehicle systems may also help establish timing and movement patterns. These details can provide a clearer picture of how the collision occurred and what factors contributed to it.
