Massachusetts

Man Accused of Crashing Into Tractor-Trailer in Oxford Was Wanted Fugitive Out of Maine: Police

A man accused of crashing into a tractor-trailer truck Thursday night in Oxford, Massachusetts, has been identified as a wanted fugitive out of Maine, according to police.

Oxford police said before 40-year-old Joshua Sampe caused a violent crash on Route 20 he was wanted for domestic assault out of Spencer earlier in the night.

"Last night there was an altercation downstairs, the woman down there was trying to get him to leave, he was highly intoxicated. There was a little pushing and shoving, I even seen him push the girl," said neighbor Brenda Huges.

She said when she saw Sampe getting into his pickup truck trying to leave while allegedly continuing to drink, she called police.

"He peeled out of the driveway, next thing we know we heard a crash," said Hughes. "He went and hit a parked car and plus went into a stone wall."

Police say that didn't stop Sampe.

They say they pursued him through Charlton into Oxford, where he allegedly suddenly sped up, jerked the wheel right and hit the tractor-trailer as it was waiting to turn onto Route 20 from Pioneer Drive.

Authorities also said Sampe is a fugitive, on the run from Maine since September 2018, when he was indicted on several charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence terrorizing with priors.

"He was not a tenant here, he was not supposed to be here," said Hughes. "We're just glad that he's gone."

The tractor-trailer driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Sampe sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in the intensive care unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Once he's released, Sampe is expected to be arraigned at East Brookfield District Court on several charges including failure to stop for a police officer, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation, speeding, leaving the scene of an accident, and domestic assault.

Sample will then face the warrant out of Maine.

Contact Us