A 35-year-old Malden man is facing his fourth OUI charge after allegedly hitting a Wellesley Police officer’s cruiser while under the influence of alcohol. 

William Spence, 35, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (fourth offense), driving with a suspended license (subsequent offense), operating to endanger, a marked lanes violation, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle and a seatbelt violation, according to Wellesley Police Lt. Marie Cleary.

He also faces warrant charges out of the Boston District Court for assault and battery on a public employee.

Spence was taken to Dedham District Court on Thursday, March 7 for arraignment, Cleary said. She had no further information on the hearing.

The incident started at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6 on Route 9 at the double interchange with Route 128. Spence was driving a Jeep SUV eastbound when he drove into a work zone where the officer was on a private detail for National Grid, according to Cleary.

Spence’s car struck the rear of the officer’s cruiser causing significant damage to both cars. Cones and police cruiser lights as well as nearby signs had clearly marked the work zone, Cleary said. 

The officer and Spence were taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton where they were treated, according to Cleary. The officer sustained minor injuries while Spence suffered hand abrasions, Cleary said. Both the officer and Spence were released a short time later.