Man Accused Of Attacking Ex-Girlfriend, Stealing Car Before Methuen Crash

METHUEN (CBS) – A driver was seriously hurt after police say he stole a car and then crashed it in Methuen overnight.

Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon told WBZ-TV a man broke into his ex-girlfriend's home, beat her up and then stole her car late Saturday night.

The man, who has not yet been identified, drove off and moments later lost control of the car and went airborne, crashing into a pole and traffic light control box near the intersection of Pleasant Valley and Jackson streets. A signal light went through the air and into the front window of a house nearby.

The man was rushed to a Boston hospital on a medical rescue helicopter and was listed in critical condition Sunday. There's no word yet on any charges.

No other information is available at this point in the investigation.

Police said the traffic signal lights at the intersection of Route 113 and Jackson and Howe streets are still out. Temporary stop signs have been put in, but drivers are urged to be careful at the intersection.