Drunk Driver in Braintree Crash Imprisoned

A repeat drunk driver who struck and severely injured a man on the highway in Braintree last year was sentenced to prison Friday.


Joseph Egan, 50 of Weymouth, admitted that he was drunk and negligent on the night in January 2012 when his vehicle smashed into the victim's on Route 3 North, District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.


Judge Robert C. Cosgrove sent Egan to state prison for two and a half to three and a half years, less than the four to five requested by Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Adam Lally.

The prison time will be followed by three years of probation, including abstinence from alcohol and any ordered treatment. He will also lose his license for eight years.

“This was a terrible crash. A State Police officer observed Egan going as fast as 110 MPH, weaving in and out of traffic before rear-ending a Toyota Highlander,” Morrissey said. “The injuries to the victim are such that even 20 months later, they were an impediment to his attending court hearings.”

Egan has previous convictions for OUI in Quincy District Court in July of 1997 and August of 1998.

After the crash, state police officers smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Egan’s breath, according to the DA's office. Egan also told a paramedic on the way to South Shore Hospital that he had drank a 12 pack of beer. 

Medical records obtained after his treatment indicated that Egan’s blood alcohol level was .22 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent.

“This crash was a life changing event for the victim, but he has maintained his contact with our office and consistently been part of the process,” Morrissey said. “Judge Cosgrove’s sentence is substantial, but no punishment can undo the damage.”