WESTFIELD – A city man appeared in Westfield District Court Friday to face charges related to crashing his vehicle into a house in August while allegedly high on drugs.
James N. Merati of 1 Oak Terrace, was placed on one-year probation after pleading guilty to negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
He was placed on a year of concurrent probation after charges of possessing a Class A drug were continued without finding.
Charges of inhaling glue/toxic substance were dismissed.
On August 9 around 10:30 p.m. police received a call about a vehicle exiting the roadway and striking the house located at 551 Southwick Road.
Merati, 25, who was allegedly high on drugs at the time of the crash, demolished the handicap ramp on the house causing the front porch roof to collapse.
No one was home at the time of the incident, according to Westfield police.
When questioned by Westfield Police Officer Sean Smith, Merati had said he, “passed out and did not recollect the collision,” according to court records.
Merati’s vehicle, a 2015 Chevy Aveo, had heavy front end damage and needed to be towed from the scene.
During inventory of the vehicle prior to towing, Smith found a can of Dust Off Electronics Duster in the rear of the vehicle, according to court records.
The can was “ice cold” despite the temperature outside being approximately 65 degrees, which indicated the can had been recently used.
Upon further questioning, Merati admitted to “huffing” prior to the accident, according to court documents.
Additionally, Smith found a medicine bottle containing 17 white packages of heroin with the stamp “Gucci,” and two straws were located in the front driver’s side door pocket.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
