Route 1 Wrong-Way Driver Hits 5 Cars, Runs From Saugus Police

SAUGUS, MA — Saugus Police arrested a man Thursday night following a car crash on Route 1 where they say the driver was traveling the wrong way while under the influence of drugs.

Jonathan Sevoich, 32, of Saugus, is facing several charges including OUI, possession of a Class A substance, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and multiple reckless driving-related charges.

Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, Police say they noticed a gray Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 1. They followed the car to the parking lot of the York Ford dealership in Saugus, where they say the driver ended up hitting about five parked cars.

Once they got to the car, officers say it had heavy front-end damage and both airbags were deployed. Police say they had to remove Sevoich from the car after refusing to get out and had to apprehend him when he tried to take off on foot.

A statement from police says Sevoich was showing signs of impairment, which prompted a search of his car, where officers say they found drug paraphernalia and a brown powdery substance suspected to be heroin.

Saugus Police Department says Sevoich is said to have been wanted on several outstanding warrants and will be arraigned in Lynn District Court Friday.