MATTAPOISETT — A quick response and decisive action by a Mattapoisett police officer may have prevented a potentially catastrophic head-on collision Friday night after a wrong-way driver was spotted traveling against traffic on I-195.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, while on patrol, Mattapoisett Police Officer Jacob Fluegel heard a Massachusetts State Police broadcast reporting a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-195 in the Mattapoisett area.
Officer Fluegel immediately responded to I-195 in an effort to locate the vehicle and stop the dangerous situation before a collision occurred.
A short time later, Officer Fluegel spotted the vehicle traveling directly toward him in the wrong direction.
As Officer Fluegel attempted to safely stop the vehicle, the operator struck the Mattapoisett Police cruiser. Despite the impact, Officer Fluegel was able to successfully stop the vehicle.
Police said Officer Fluegel’s rapid response and decisive actions may have prevented a serious head-on collision, potentially avoiding catastrophic consequences for the wrong-way driver, responding officer, and other motorists on I-195.
The operator was transported from the scene by Mattapoisett Police EMS. The investigation was subsequently turned over to the Massachusetts State Police.
