David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN
SANDWICH – From Mass State Police: On September 11th, just before 10 PM, the Massachusetts State Police received a request from the Sandwich Police Department for a State Police supervisor to assist with a crash involving property damage at 33 Grand Oak Road in Sandwich involving an off-duty member of their Department. Once on scene, the Sergeant assigned to the call observed a black BMW X5 with heavy front end damage. A preliminary investigation revealed the driver had left the roadway, traveling through part of a neighboring property and striking stone flower beds before coming to rest in the driveway of 33 Grand Oak Road and coming into contact with another vehicle.
After a field sobriety test, Matthew Cotter, 44, of Sandwich, was taken into custody and transported to the Bourne barracks where he was arrested and charged with:
OUI Liquor
Negligent operation of a Motor Vehicle
Marked Lanes Violations
Unregistered Motor Vehicle
He is expected to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court.
Ofc. Matthew Cotter
Sandwich Police (2023)
From Sandwich Police: Sandwich Police Officer Matthew Cotter has been placed on administrative leave after an off-duty vehicle crash on Friday, September 11, 2026. Police received a report of a motor vehicle crash on Grand Oak Road in Forestdale at approximately 9:30 PM.
The caller reported a vehicle had driven through her bushes and struck her parked car.
When Sandwich Officers arrived on scene, Officer Cotter was identified as the operator and he was uninjured. Based on observations of responding units, officers suspected Cotter may be impaired. A request was made to the Massachusetts State Police to investigate the crash. Cotter was subsequently arrested on OUI related charges and transported to the Massachusetts State Police Bourne Barracks for processing.
While the investigation was ongoing, a relative of Cotter’s arrived on scene. It was reported to police by an independent news videographer, that the relative while being verbally abusive to him, also assaulted him. The Sandwich Police Department is investigating the incident.
The Sandwich Police Department and its members hold each other and themselves to the highest standards. In addition to the criminal charges taken by the Massachusetts State Police, the Sandwich Police Department will be conducting a thorough internal investigation.
The members of the Sandwich Police Department remain committed to serving the community with integrity, honor, and accountability.
