EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS – According to a Massachusetts State Police media statement, Friday evening – May 31, 2024 – a trooper assigned to the Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard state police barracks responded to Chappaquiddick Island for a boat which had run aground.

After being notified by Dukes County Dispatch, Trooper Zachary Bolcome made his way to Chappaquiddick and located a 43-foot “Hinckley Sport Boat 40C” stranded high on the beach.

Trooper Bolcome and Edgartown Police Officers approached the stranded boat and made contact with two men who were onboard when it crashed.

When asked what happened, the men reportedly explained to Trooper Bolcome that a “navigational error” had been made.

According to the MSP statement, Trooper Bolcome immediately recognized the operator showing signs of impairment. The boat’s operator was escorted onto nearby Chappaquiddick Road where Trooper Balcome administered “Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).”

Based upon initial observations and his performance during the SFSTs, Riley Blizard, 32, of Cotuit, was placed under arrest and charged with Operating a Boat Under the Influence of Liquor, along with Negligent Operation of a Boat. Blizard was transported to the Dukes County Jail for booking and was scheduled to be arraigned in Edgartown District Court.

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is a brought to you by Missing Persons… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT!]

* The initial details contained in the above report are based upon a Massachusetts State Police media statement. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

[Mass. State Police photos/HN edits]

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