Man abandons car after driving while impaired

On Monday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy apparently responded to Cathell Road in Berlin, in reference to a single motor vehicle collision.

Officials say the deputy arrived on scene and found an overturned car in a field with no driver. Through investigation, the deputy reportedly determined the driver of the vehicle to be Thomas Edward Scaniffe, 23, of Berlin, and he had apparently left the scene of the accident.

Officials say the vehicle owner was identified as Ciarra Alexandra Chavis, 21, of Berlin.

According to the report, Chavis, who is Mr. Scaniffe’s girlfriend, said that she had been driving the vehicle and crashed it on her way to work.

Multiple witness’s apparently said that Chavis had been at Shore Stop working since 3 PM, and another witness said that they saw Scaniffe leave Shore Stop in Chavis’s vehicle.

The deputy apparently found Scaniffe at Shore Stop.
 
The deputy said he smelled alcohol on Scaniffe, and Scaniffe refused to take field sobriety tests.

Scaniffe was then reportedly placed under arrest and charged with driving while impaired.

Chavis was apparently issued a Uniform Maryland Criminal Citation for obstructing and hindering.

According to the report, both Chavis and Scaniffe were released pending trial.