Young man charged in fatal Sagamore Bridge crash

A Plymouth man is facing charges after allegedly causing a fatal crash on the Sagamore Bridge while driving under the influence of marijuana.

Paul Myers, 19, had allegedly been using marijuana when he caused the crash, a police report shows. He faces four charges, one of which is motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence.

A person died and two others were injured in the crash. The police report identified 79-year-old Martha Shledon of Plymouth as the deceased victim. Myers did not report any injuries, documents from Falmouth District Court show. 

Massachusetts State Trooper Frederick Bohnenberger responded to the Sagamore Bridge at 6:58 on Friday, he attested in court documents. He found two “heavily” damaged cars blocking much of the eastbound roadway.

Bohnenberger’s report said he then located one of the drivers involved and a passenger. The driver was “conscious and alert,” but the passenger was pronounced dead on the scene, he said. The driver of the other car was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, Bohnenberger said.

While looking for witnesses, court documents say, Bohnenberger found Myers on the bridge sidewalk. Bohnenberger asked the man if he witnessed the accident.

“I caused it,” Myers said, according to a report from the trooper. Bohnenberger’s report says he “could immediately smell a strong odor of burnt marijuana” coming from Myers’ Nissan. He also says he spotted “multiple burnt marijuana blunts” on the floor of the driver’s seat.

Bohnenberger reported that Myers had a “lethargic demeanor.” Prosecutors allege that Myers smoked marijuana after getting out of work at 5:30 p.m., an hour and a half before the crash.

“While speaking to Myers I could smell a strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from him,” Bohnenberger’s report said. “Based on this and my observations of Myers to include the odor of burnt marijuana, presence of marijuana in the vehicle, lethargic demeanor, and statements about his erratic operation along with his admittance to taking marijuana, it was determined that Myers was impaired by drugs.”

Bohnenberger reports he then arrested Myers for operating under the influence. 

Myers’ bail was set to a $100,000 surety bond or $10,000 cash, court documents show. They also stipulate he must surrender his Jamaican passport, remain drug free, reside with his sister in Plymouth, and not drive. 

Records show Myers was unable to make bail and was committed to Barnstable County Correctional Facility. His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27. 

A lawyer for Myers declined to comment on the case.