A Boston police officer is facing new charges in connection with an alleged drunk driving crash on New Year's Day.
Domenic Columbo, 39, of West Roxbury, was indicted on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count each of operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle by a Suffolk County grand jury, according to the district attorney's office.
He had been charged earlier this year only with operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury.
Prosecutors say Columbo hit a Honda Accord with his 2012 Ford F-150 at the intersection of Columbia Road and Ceylon Street in Boston in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.
Two 20-year-olds in the Honda Accord were injured, with the passenger suffering a brain injury that District Attorney Dan Conley called "severe and long-lasting." The unnamed passenger's injuries "will likely change the course of his life and the lives of those who love him," Conley added.
When he was treated at a hospital for his injuries, Columbo's blood was tested, and allegedly came back with a blood alcohol content of .11.
Investigators also believe Columbo was driving "well over" the area's 25 mph speed limit.
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"I hold my officers to the highest standards and it saddens me to see that a police officer put himself in a position that caused harm to others," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said in a statement.
Columbo is due back in court on April 24.
