Report ID: 2026-05-31
NCIC#: Unknown
Officer ID#: Unknown
Traffic Unit 1: Massachusetts State Police marked cruiser
Traffic Unit 2: Passenger vehicle (wrong-way driver)
Occupants: Traffic Unit 1: State Trooper (name unknown); Traffic Unit 2: Lucas Gustavo Brajak DeAlmeida Benedetto, 41, of Newburyport
Injuries/Fatalities: Both parties transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
Vehicle Damage: Unknown
Property Damage: Unknown
Road Surface: Unknown
Manner of Impact: Head-on collision
Pedestrian/Cyclist Location: N/A
Narrative
Overnight on May 31, 2026, a Massachusetts State Police trooper from Danvers observed a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lane of Route 1 in Peabody. Officers coordinated a response to stop traffic and intercept the wrong-way driver, but before they could do so, the suspect vehicle struck a responding trooper’s marked cruiser in a head-on collision.
Both the trooper and the wrong-way driver, identified as Lucas Gustavo Brajak DeAlmeida Benedetto, 41, of Newburyport, were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. DeAlmeida Benedetto was subsequently released from the hospital and charged with OUI, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and driving the wrong way on a state highway. He is expected to be arraigned Monday in Peabody District Court.
The incident remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police. Full details are developing.
When a crash involves an alleged drunk or impaired driver, those injured — including law enforcement officers — may have legal rights worth exploring. If you or someone you know was affected by this collision on Route 1, consider speaking with an attorney about your options. You can also get your free crash report to begin understanding what the official record shows.
