Man found passed out behind the wheel with child in car

Police found an uncapped hypodermic needle within reach of an unrestrained child inside the SUV.

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Philbrick/MPD

MANCHESTER, NH – Officers were called to the area of 298 Queen City Ave. approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 1 for a man passed out behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Explorer. Officer Lisa Callahan arrived on scene and spoke with two witnesses who observed a male subject passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle. The operator passed out as he was attempting to take a right turn on to Second Street.

The two witnesses were concerned because a young child was seated in the backseat of the sports utility vehicle. Officer Callahan spoke with the operator who identified himself as Benjamin Philbrick, 34, of Milford, while Officer Edwin Sepulveda checked on the young child. Officer Callahan smelled an odor of alcohol emanating from his breath, so she completed field sobriety tests.

Officer Sepulveda observed two needles inside of the vehicle. A full, uncapped needle containing a brownish liquid believed to be heroin was placed within arm’s reach of the unrestrained 4-year-old. The other needle was located on the floor board directly below the child’s feet. The liquid was sent to the state lab for further testing.

Officer Callahan determined Philbrick was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol so he was taken into custody without incident. The child was unharmed and placed in the custody of a family member.

Philbrick was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated for operating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol with a passenger under the age of 16. He was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child and placed on a 72 hour hold for probation and parole. He is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on June 2, 2017.

 

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!