NORWOOD – A loud bang reported by a resident on Walpole Street led to the arrest of a Norwood man for operating under the influence (OUI) according to court documents. Police say 33 year old Michael Lennox was arrested late Monday night after he allegedly struck a utility pole and fled the scene.
According to their police report, Norwood Police officers were dispatched around 10:58 p.m. on October 7, 2025, to the area of Walpole St. and Laurel Rd. following a 911 call from a nearby resident who reported hearing a loud noise and suspected a vehicle had hit a utility pole.
Upon arrival, the reporting officer confirmed the utility pole appeared to have been struck. Debris, including a portion of what appeared to be a headlight, was scattered on the ground and a chunk of wood was missing from the pole, police say. Police met with the caller who confirmed she did not witness the crash, only heard the “loud bang” from inside her house.
After a brief search of the area, officers located a vehicle with damage consistent with the crash, parked on Bruce Rd. Police say Lennox was standing beside the vehicle with his father. According to their police report, Lennox admitted he had “hit a pole” and kept going because he “wanted to pull into a safe spot.”
Lennox went on to explain that he “looked down at the gauges” on his dash, and the next thing he knew, he “clipped the utility pole” according to the report. He stated he had not called the police, but instead called his father and was planning to call AAA to tow his truck.
Police say during their conversation, the officer noted that Lennox appeared nervous, crossing and uncrossing his arms, swaying back and forth, and his speech was slurred when answering questions. Lennox also reportedly had glassy and bloodshot eyes. When asked if he had been drinking, Lennox initially denied it but then admitted to having “three beers” according to the police report.
Following an investigation that included several field sobriety tests, Lennox was placed under arrest for OUI-Liquor, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, marked lanes violation and negligent operation according to the citation. He is due back in Dedham District Court on November 12th 2025.
The Norwood Light Department was notified and subsequently responded to check the pole’s integrity. -RD
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