A wrong-way driver was in court Tuesday to face operating under the influence charges in connection with a crash on Route 128. WCVB crews witnessed the incident around 2:30 a.m. Monday. A black Porsche was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 128. It crashed into the center median near exit 54A in Woburn, Massachusetts State Police said. No other vehicles were involved. State Police said the driver, John Tarshi, 25, of Lawrence, was arraigned in Woburn District Court on charges of OUI liquor and marked lanes violations.”At that time, the officer noted the defendant had bloodshot, glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. Officers say he was operating under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest,” prosecutor Christine Morris said. Police said Tarshi had two passengers in the rented sports car, but no one was injured. Tarshi was released on personal recognizance and did not comment as he left court. His license was suspended, and he is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 8.Last month, Gov. Maura Healey said the state would invest $50-$75 million in an effort to improve wrong-way safety at more than 500 additional locations across the state.The initiative has been in development for about a year, following several fatal incidents involving wrong-way drivers that include the deaths of Trooper Kevin Trainor on May 6, Gloucester High School student Christopher Dailey and Endicott College Sgt. Jeremy Cole.”We are introducing new signs that are lit up with flashing LEDs that you can’t miss, and we are adding new sensors that alert law enforcement when a wrong-way driver is traveling down the road. This is cutting-edge technology,” Healey said in June.Pavement markings will be replaced and expanded, ramp designs are being improved and more signs will be put in place on ramps and roadways.Massachusetts State Police said troopers have responded to 680 calls about wrong-way drivers from June 2024 through June 2026. What to do if you see a wrong-way driver, advice from MSP:Stay out of the left laneDrive in the right laneGet off the highwayCall 911

WOBURN, Mass. —

A wrong-way driver was in court Tuesday to face operating under the influence charges in connection with a crash on Route 128.

WCVB crews witnessed the incident around 2:30 a.m. Monday. A black Porsche was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 128. It crashed into the center median near exit 54A in Woburn, Massachusetts State Police said. No other vehicles were involved.

State Police said the driver, John Tarshi, 25, of Lawrence, was arraigned in Woburn District Court on charges of OUI liquor and marked lanes violations.

“At that time, the officer noted the defendant had bloodshot, glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. Officers say he was operating under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest,” prosecutor Christine Morris said.

Police said Tarshi had two passengers in the rented sports car, but no one was injured.

Tarshi was released on personal recognizance and did not comment as he left court. His license was suspended, and he is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 8.

Last month, Gov. Maura Healey said the state would invest $50-$75 million in an effort to improve wrong-way safety at more than 500 additional locations across the state.

The initiative has been in development for about a year, following several fatal incidents involving wrong-way drivers that include the deaths of Trooper Kevin Trainor on May 6, Gloucester High School student Christopher Dailey and Endicott College Sgt. Jeremy Cole.

“We are introducing new signs that are lit up with flashing LEDs that you can’t miss, and we are adding new sensors that alert law enforcement when a wrong-way driver is traveling down the road. This is cutting-edge technology,” Healey said in June.

Pavement markings will be replaced and expanded, ramp designs are being improved and more signs will be put in place on ramps and roadways.

Massachusetts State Police said troopers have responded to 680 calls about wrong-way drivers from June 2024 through June 2026.

What to do if you see a wrong-way driver, advice from MSP:Stay out of the left laneDrive in the right laneGet off the highwayCall 911