A Dartmouth firefighter has reportedly been suspended and faces DUI charges in Westport, after allegedly crashing his car into a fire hydrant near White’s of Westport, knocking over a fire hydrant and causing a flood in the road three days before Halloween.

Westport police said officers responded to 66 State Road at about 2:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, after getting a report of an accident.

“The caller stated a vehicle had struck a fire hydrant at that location and was currently on fire,” police said. “Officers arrived on scene and observed the roadway to be actively flooding and flames were coming from the vehicle’s engine compartment.”

The driver, Tucker Rose of Dartmouth (no age or address given), was trapped in the car, and officers worked to extinguish the engine fire while removing him. After he was freed, the fire reignited and was then extinguished by Westport firefighters.

Police said that when officers spoke with Rose they noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. His speech was slurred and he had glassy and bloodshot eyes, officers noted.

“Looking towards Fall River, he pointed and stated he had almost made it home and lived right over there,” police said. “He also had blood and vomit on his sweatshirt.

Rose, a 2019 graduate of Dartmouth High School, was placed under arrest and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford with minor injuries. Workers from the City of Fall River Water Department responded to the scene, and worked to control the flooding and repair the damaged hydrant. The Massachusetts DOT also assisted with traffic control and cleanup, police said.

Westport police are charging Rose with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violations, and speeding. But they are still investigating. Police asked that if you saw the crash, contact Westport Police at (508) 636-1122.

Rose joined Dartmouth Fire District No. 3 as a call/volunteer firefighter two years ago. In another interview, Dartmouth Fire Chief Richard Arruda would not comment on Rose’s status, but noted that protocol is to suspend a firefighter immediately after criminal charges are filed.