Westborough Police Chief Found Sleeping in Unmarked Car After Two-Day Absence
Todd Minardi was discovered disoriented in Shrewsbury with empty vodka bottles, leading to an independent investigation and administrative leave.
By Julia Wang ·
The Westborough police chief was found asleep in an unmarked patrol car outside a liquor store in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, last week.
Todd Minardi had been missing for two days before his wife called paramedics while he was being treated. She reported that he had not been seen since he left home. The Shrewsbury Police Department received a call from the liquor store asking officers to check on a person inside a parked vehicle. When deputies arrived, they found Minardi in the driver's seat. He was disoriented and did not answer initial questions. He eventually asked, “Can I help you?”
Surveillance footage captured Minardi buying a bottle of vodka on Wednesday. He returned the following Thursday morning to purchase a second bottle. His vehicle remained parked and motionless until police arrived at noon on Friday. Two empty vodka bottles were found inside the car. Officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. Minardi was cited for having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. The car keys were not in the ignition, and there was no evidence he had driven the car after purchasing the drinks.
Minardi failed to follow instructions to keep his hands on the steering wheel. He appeared to search the vehicle, which concerned the responding officers. He is currently on administrative leave while an independent investigation proceeds.
The next step in the process is the completion of the independent review. Minardi will remain on leave until that investigation concludes.
